CGC Adeniyi’s Diplomatic Move Yields Results as Nigeria, Malaysia Customs Knot Trade Ties

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Thursday, 23 April, 2026, intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s growing trade relationship with Malaysia following an official visit to the Headquarters of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), where both countries opened discussions on a formal customs cooperation framework.

CGC Adeniyi, who was in Malaysia on the sidelines of the Defence Services Asia Malaysia 2026 International Conference, according to a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, used the visit to advance customs-to-customs engagement aimed at improving trade facilitation, enforcement collaboration and border efficiency between the two nations.

CGC Adeniyi, however, noted how trade figures between both countries had risen sharply in recent years, said Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia had increased from over N159 billion in 2020 to N716 billion in 2024, adding, “Cumulative imports over the five-year period stood at about N1.82 trillion, while customs duty and taxes generated from the trade corridor between 2020 and 2023 amounted to N228 billion.”

Officials said annual trade volume between the two countries could exceed N1 trillion in 2026 if the current growth trend is sustained, highlighting that, “Major imports from Malaysia include crude palm oil, refined palm olein, aviation fuel, food products, machinery and other industrial inputs.”

Receiving the Nigerian delegation, the Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad, held talks with Adeniyi on customs modernisation, regulatory reforms and coordinated border management.

Both Customs administrations acknowledged that despite longstanding commercial ties, there is presently no formal legal framework directly linking the two institutions.

They therefore agreed to begin the process of establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the relevant World Customs Organisation framework.
CGC Adeniyi, on his part, said closer cooperation had become necessary in view of the increasing trade volume between Nigeria and Malaysia.

He said, “The scale of trade between our two countries now demands a stronger institutional relationship between both Customs administrations. Structured cooperation will improve trust, efficiency and compliance.”

He explained that a formal arrangement would also support legitimate trade while enhancing enforcement against abuse of trade routes, adding, “When compliant traders enjoy predictable procedures, lower costs and faster clearance, both economies benefit. At the same time, enforcement must remain firm against those who seek to exploit the system.”

The Malaysian Customs authorities also briefed the Nigerian delegation on the country’s evolving border management model, including the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, established as an integrated frontline border control body.

According to officials, the new structure is being implemented in phases to improve coordination at entry points, simplify border processes and strengthen enforcement outcomes.

CGC Adeniyi, in turn, presented the Nigeria Customs Service’s Authorised Economic Operator programme and other trade facilitation reforms introduced under the Service’s modernisation agenda.

He said Nigeria remained committed to digital reforms and predictable clearance procedures that reduce transaction costs and support lawful trade.

It would be recalled that while attending the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference in Kuala Lumpur, the Comptroller-General called for stronger international cooperation against cross-border crime, urging nations to move “from isolated responses to coordinated global action.”

He said growing threats such as narcotics trafficking, financial crimes and terrorism financing require intelligence sharing, modern technology and joint enforcement strategies.

The meeting also focused on illicit trade and drug trafficking, with both countries agreeing on the need for closer intelligence sharing and tighter monitoring of transnational supply chains.

“Customs administrations must remain vigilant against the misuse of legitimate trade routes for unlawful shipments, especially given the global nature of narcotics trafficking and prohibited goods movement.” CGC Adeniyi said.