NCS to host two major conferences in December, focusing on digital Customs systems, intelligence-led border management and seamless cross-border trade under AfCFTA.
By Chioma Vivian James | Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to host two major international conferences in Abuja this December to strengthen border security, modernise Customs operations and accelerate trade integration across Africa.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Conference will hold from December 7 to 8, 2026, while the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) 2026 Conference is scheduled for December 9 to 11.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement issued on October 25, describing the conferences as part of the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, operational modernisation and regional cooperation.
The CGC Conference, themed “Securing Borders, Enabling Trade: A Customs Commitment to Safer Communities,” will examine the link between effective border management, national security and economic growth.
Discussions will focus on digital Customs operations, trusted trade corridors, seamless payments, intelligence-led enforcement and stronger collaboration among security agencies to tackle emerging border threats.
Participants will also assess progress made in Customs reforms, including modernisation initiatives, revenue generation, trade facilitation and the implementation of previous conference resolutions.
The programme will feature presentations on Customs modernisation, the presentation of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certificates and engagements with key institutions, including the National Single Window Secretariat and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.
The second day will focus on coordinated responses to border threats, bringing together relevant institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
The C-PACT 2026 Conference will extend the discussions to the continental level under the theme “One Border, Interconnected Systems: Advancing Customs Cooperation through One-Stop Border Posts.”
The conference is expected to bring together Customs administrations, policymakers, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, technology providers and private-sector representatives.
It will address persistent challenges affecting cross-border trade in Africa, including duplicated inspections, fragmented procedures, limited information sharing and incompatible digital systems.
Participants will explore how One-Stop Border Posts, harmonised procedures, coordinated risk management and secure information exchange can reduce delays, lower trade costs and improve the movement of goods across African trade corridors.
The conference will also examine key AfCFTA initiatives, including the Integrated Transit System, the Single Bond Guarantee Scheme and the Electronic Certificate of Origin system.
Expected outcomes include practical recommendations for improving border operations, identifying technology and investment opportunities, strengthening institutional partnerships and developing a roadmap for interconnected, digitally enabled border systems across Africa.
According to Maiwada, the NCS, under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, remains committed to working with national institutions, regional partners and international stakeholders to secure borders, facilitate legitimate trade and advance Africa’s economic integration.
The Service expressed optimism that the conferences would strengthen accountability in Customs reforms, promote technological innovation and contribute to the realisation of the AfCFTA’s vision of a more integrated, competitive and prosperous African economy.
