Sets New Agenda and Workable Solutions

As part of efforts to increase productivity and overall national industrialization, 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.

Customs Management Team and MAN members

The CGC, who made this known  when the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.

The Customs Boss the MAN members 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.

his words “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.”

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.

The MAN Chief was emphatic that their concern was to strengthen engagement, not confrontation, especially on issues that affect industries under pressure.

With this engagement, hope are high that manufacturing and production efforts could be boosted in Nigeria in the days to come.