Adeniyi Advocates Interoperable Customs for AfCFTA Success

Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs, emphasized the importance of interoperable customs systems for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Speaking in Lagos during the signing of a 20-year public-private partnership agreement with Bergman Security, he identified the lack of harmonized technology among customs administrations as a major obstacle to AfCFTA implementation.

Adeniyi noted that customs administrations cannot operate effectively without interoperability, which would facilitate trade. He welcomed the partnership with Bergman Security, describing it as a significant milestone in Nigeria's customs modernization efforts.

Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, acknowledged Nigeria's customs modernization model and its success in deploying digital technology to enhance revenue generation and operational efficiency. The agreement with Bergman Security aims to develop a modern interoperable customs system across the continent, which is expected to strengthen cooperation among member states and optimize revenue collection.