BACCIMA President commends CGC Adeniyi for advancing trade facilitation and Customs modernisation

The President of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, has commended the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his remarkable commitment to trade facilitation, innovation, and the modernisation of Customs operations in Nigeria.

The commendation followed the successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the BACCIMA Trade Fair, which brought together key stakeholders across the maritime, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, MSMEs, and cross-border trade sectors.

Speaking at the close of the event, the BACCIMA President praised the Nigeria Customs Service for implementing reforms and technology-driven initiatives that have significantly improved ease of doing business at Nigeria’s borders, enhanced revenue generation, strengthened border security management, and promoted seamless cross-border trade.

He particularly acknowledged the cordial relationship and continuous engagement between the Nigeria Customs Service and BACCIMA, noting that such collaboration with the organised private sector has contributed greatly to trade efficiency, investor confidence, and trade formalisation — one of the Chamber’s core objectives.

According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to demonstrate professionalism, strategic leadership, and institutional capacity in supporting the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through improved trade administration and border operations.

The Chamber also noted that the presence and participation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General M. Babandede, Coordinator Zone A, alongside the Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila and other senior Customs officers at the opening ceremony added immense value to discussions on regional trade integration, cross-border commerce, and economic development within the Badagry corridor and beyond.

BACCIMA stated that these efforts align with the objectives and protocols of ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both of which seek to deepen regional economic integration and strengthen intra-African trade.

The Chamber further stated that the Service’s ongoing border security reforms and operational innovations are helping to position Nigeria as a competitive destination for trade and investment in Africa, while also encouraging stronger collaboration between government institutions and the private sector.

Alhaji Yahaya advised cross-border traders, prospective importers, and exporters to strictly adhere to proper documentation and regulatory procedures at border posts to ensure seamless operations and improved ease of doing business.

He also encouraged traders operating within the sub-region to formalise their businesses in order to benefit from the preferential trade opportunities provided under ECOWAS and AfCFTA frameworks.

BACCIMA further called for sustained partnership and synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service, relevant government agencies, and stakeholders within the commerce and industry sectors to deepen trading opportunities, strengthen regional integration, and accelerate economic growth.

The Chamber expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Cooperatives and Investment, the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) Management, NEXIM Bank, exhibitors, development partners, government agencies, and all participants whose support contributed to the success of the maiden trade fair.

BACCIMA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting enterprise development, regional trade cooperation, and investment opportunities that will drive sustainable economic growth and economic prosperity in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.