Customs reforms will boost trade, strengthen border security, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu says reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will strengthen trade and border security across the country.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the comptroller-general of customs (CGC) conference.

The president, represented by Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), said the reforms align with his administration’s objective to grow Nigeria’s economy through industrialisation and diversification.

This, he said, demonstrates the service’s comprehensive modernisation agenda.

“Responding to our administration’s call for enhanced trade facilitation and economic growth, the service has introduced significant reforms, including the advanced ruling system and the authorised economic operator programme,” NAN quoted Tinubu to have said.

“These initiatives align with global best practices and show how agencies can innovatively implement solutions that advance our national economic objectives while meeting international standards.

“Such reforms enhance trade facilitation and create a more predictable business environment that supports our broader financial goals.”

Tinubu said the reforms contributed to Nigeria’s improved global ranking and ease of doing business.

The president pledged support for the agency’s modernisation and reform efforts, committing to back policies designed to strengthen the service’s capacity to fulfil its duties.

He said the NCS has shown progress in revenue generation, enhancing the government’s ability to fund essential development projects.

Tinubu said upon assuming office, he outlined a vision of strengthening Nigeria’s economy by building on existing frameworks and implementing necessary reforms.

He said his administration is determined to improve Nigeria’s trade and investment status globally as part of the reform initiatives.

“This goal is being pursued through strategic efforts to enhance trade facilitation, modernise port infrastructure, and streamline business processes to minimise trade barriers,” he said.

Tinubu said in less than two years of his administration, over $30 billion in foreign investment commitments have been secured, “reflecting the positive impact of these policies on both domestic and international investor confidence”.

He said the conference’s theme reflects the evolving economic landscape, noting that sustainable progress depends on strengthening existing alliances and forging new ones.

“Your deliberations should chart a path for enhancing our trade processes and compliance frameworks in ways that position Nigeria to maximise the opportunities presented by regional and continental integration while maintaining robust border security,” he said.

He said the outcome of the conference should provide a clear roadmap for achieving the objectives in line “with our national economic aspirations”.