The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, recently led a delegation from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to the Netherlands for a two-day bilateral working visit. The trip, which took place from October 29 to 31, 2025, aimed to strengthen cooperation on trade facilitation, port efficiency, and border management between the two countries.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation engaged in high-level technical discussions, institutional briefings, and strategic meetings with Dutch authorities and customs experts. The mission commenced at the Dutch Customs Headquarters in Rotterdam, where the team received a presentation on tariff and origin procedures within the Dutch system. They also attended a session on risk management, which highlighted the Netherlands’ model for risk profiling, cargo monitoring, and tactical decision-making in customs operations.
The NCS team met with the Head of International Affairs at the Netherlands Customs to discuss enhancing inter-agency coordination, capacity-building exchange programs, and digital trade processes. Comptroller-General Adeniyi commended the Dutch Customs’ structured approach to classification and risk management, noting that the presentations provided valuable insights into how systematic collaboration and data-driven analysis can enhance compliance and trade facilitation across borders.
The delegation also visited Schiphol Airport, where they learned about cargo clearance and classification systems at one of Europe’s busiest air freight hubs. The session provided a firsthand understanding of the Netherlands’ use of automation, pre-arrival processing, and coordinated border management in handling high-volume air cargo. Deputy Comptroller-General Caroline Niagwan expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ structured cargo processes, stating that the practical insights gained would be instrumental in improving Nigeria’s own cargo handling systems.
The visit underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to adopting international best practices that balance enforcement with facilitation, ensuring that legitimate trade thrives while revenue and security interests are safeguarded. The cooperation between the two countries is expected to enhance trade facilitation, compliance management, and border security, ultimately benefiting both nations. With the visit marking a significant step towards deeper bilateral cooperation, the NCS is poised to implement reforms and improvements in its operations, aligning with global standards and practices.