BY SAM OTUONYE
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has hosted a high-level diplomatic cocktail reception in Abuja, bringing together ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of missions, and senior government officials in a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening international cooperation, trade relations, and institutional partnerships.
The event, held at the rooftop of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, also attracted the Chief of the Air Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, members of the Customs Management, and other senior officials from key security and government institutions.
Welcoming the diplomatic community, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, expressed appreciation for the sustained support of international partners in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing global trade cooperation with Nigeria.
“We recognize and appreciate your contributions to strengthening diplomatic and trade relations. The Service remains committed to providing the support and services required for diplomatic missions to operate effectively in Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that NCS continues to deepen its global footprint through structured collaboration frameworks with over twenty customs administrations worldwide, focusing on knowledge exchange, capacity development, and operational synergy aimed at improving trade facilitation and border management.
According to him, sustained collaboration among customs administrations, diplomatic missions, and security agencies remains critical to achieving efficient border security, enhanced revenue generation, and improved economic competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global trade environment.
The CGC further emphasised that modern Customs administration now operates within a highly interconnected global system, requiring continuous engagement, trust-building, and shared responsibility among international partners to address emerging challenges in trade, security, and compliance management.
He added that platforms such as the diplomatic reception provide valuable opportunities for dialogue, relationship building, and the exploration of new areas of cooperation that will further strengthen Nigeria’s trade and diplomatic architecture.
The evening concluded with networking sessions and goodwill messages from participants, with senior government officials and diplomatic representatives commending the NCS for its consistent efforts in fostering stronger institutional ties and promoting an enabling environment for international collaboration.
