By Helen Udo.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Customs Administration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have signed a landmark Joint Declaration to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade facilitation, border security, customs modernisation, intelligence sharing, and the fight against transnational organised crime.
The agreement, signed in Brussels by Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and the Director General of Netherlands Customs, Mrs. Nanette Van Schelven, builds on previous engagements between both customs administrations following reciprocal working visits in 2025 and 2026.
According to a statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller-General of Customs, the partnership will strengthen collaboration in risk management, cargo clearance, supply chain security, capacity building, and enforcement while addressing growing threats such as drug trafficking, counterfeit goods, wildlife crimes, arms smuggling, and other illicit cross border activities.
The declaration also provides a framework for structured cooperation through training, knowledge exchange, and the development of a joint work plan aimed at improving border efficiency, promoting fair trade, enhancing supply chain security, and facilitating legitimate international trade between both countries.
