Yemisi Izuora
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasised the need for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to build a lasting friendship and partnership through a deeper understanding of their respective challenges.
The CGC, who made this known on Thursday, 18 September 2025, when the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja. He also expressed the need to set a new agenda that extends beyond immediate concerns.
CGC Adeniyi explained that enduring collaboration could only be achieved when both parties approach issues with clarity and commitment, stressing that broader stakeholder buy-in remains central to sustainable solutions.
He acknowledged MAN’s structured internal processes, where issues are debated across its ten sectors and more than sixty sub-sectors before policy positions are harmonised by its Economic Policy Committee.
“I have always said that the only way for you to appreciate what can bring lasting friendship, collaboration and partnership is when we understand from both sides what the issues are. When you are challenged, you become quite sensitive to everything that will get you out of the situation you find yourself in.” CGC Adeniyi explained.
He highlighted several initiatives that the Service has rolled out to improve trade facilitation, including the Authorised Economic Operator programme, Advanced Ruling, Corporate Social Responsibility framework, the indigenous B’Odogwu platform, and the creation of dedicated special desks.
The Customs Boss also disclosed that preparations were underway for a conference later in November to bring Customs and critical stakeholders to chart a way forward towards the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to him, “We are looking forward to a situation where we will set an agenda that goes beyond the issues on the ground. There are a number of initiatives already on course, and we would like MAN to be part of them.”
He added, “After your consultations, you can get back to us so that we can fix a date and venue for a wider meeting. If it would make it easier, we are ready to travel to Lagos to meet with manufacturers at their base. We need to keep this conversation going without delay.”
He noted that such a forum would provide an opportunity for robust discussion with all stakeholders across MAN’s diverse sectors.
On his part, the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, said there should be no gap or roadblock between the two institutions, describing Customs as an indispensable partner in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“I am happy that once again we are reigniting what we used to have. Many developments in the economy require us to accelerate this engagement, expand it and make it work.” Ajayi-Kadiri said.
He commended the CGC for his openness to ideas and stressed that MAN’s structured approach to policy ensures that every decision reflects the realities manufacturers face across the country.
He added that the association’s concern was to strengthen engagement, not confrontation, especially on issues that affect industries under pressure.