Abuja: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have entered into a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters. This significant development was finalized during the ongoing 145th/146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) headquarters in Brussels.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the agreement was officially signed by Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General (C-G) of the NCS, representing Nigeria, and Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi, Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, on behalf of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration marks a strategic advancement in customs diplomacy for Nigeria and underscores a commitment to fostering cross-border alliances for secure and efficient trade.
The newly established agreement serves as a robust foundation for operational synergy in addressing customs offences, intelligence sharing, and the equitable application of customs laws. Adeniyi emphasized that the agreement aligns with broader initiatives to modernize customs practices, enhance transparency, and deepen Nigeria’s participation in the global trade ecosystem.
Adeniyi elaborated that the agreement creates a formal framework for mutual administrative assistance between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, covering customs enforcement, classification, valuation, revenue protection, and coordinated border management. This initiative is inspired by internationally recognized instruments, including the WCO Recommendation on Mutual Administrative Assistance (1953), along with other relevant conventions endorsed by both countries.
The partnership is not solely focused on enforcement but also aims to foster innovation and build trust in customs administration. Adeniyi expressed Nigeria’s pride in collaborating with Saudi Arabia to advance smarter, faster, and more cooperative customs operations.
Under the agreement, both nations will support each other through joint efforts in investigations, data exchange, and enforcement of prohibitions and restrictions in accordance with their respective laws. The agreement is open-ended, with provisions for amendments and termination through diplomatic channels.