AfCFTA Customs Modernization: Key Partnership Signed

Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), underscored the necessity of an interoperable customs system across Africa to ensure the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This statement was made during a ceremony in Lagos, where a 20-year public-private partnership (PPP) agreement was signed with Bergman Security to advance the AfCFTA customs modernization project.

Adeniyi identified the lack of harmonized technology among African customs administrations as a significant barrier to implementing the continent-wide trade agreement. He expressed optimism about overcoming these obstacles through the partnership with Bergman Security, which he described as a significant milestone in Nigeria's customs modernization journey.

Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, noted that Nigeria's customs modernization model could serve as a benchmark for other countries, highlighting the success of deploying digital technology to enhance revenue collection and operational efficiency.