Customs Boss Adeniyi Says Upcoming African Conference Will Unlock New Markets for Nigerian MSMEs

Nigeria is preparing to take center stage in a major continental gathering as the African Customs Conference draws closer—a meeting expected to reshape regional trade, fast-track economic revival, and open bigger export opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
According to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, this year’s conference will go beyond routine discussions by focusing on removing barriers that continue to slow down trade within Africa.

A New Push for Trade Among African Nations

Adeniyi noted that Africa holds one of the world’s largest emerging markets, yet intra-African trade remains lower than its true potential. The conference, which will bring together customs chiefs, public and private sector leaders, logistics operators, manufacturers, and policymakers, aims to solve long-standing obstacles limiting the free movement of goods across borders.

He explained that deeper collaboration among African customs administrations will help countries fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—a platform designed to create the world’s largest single trade market.

MSMEs to Benefit from Expanded Export Channels

One of the strongest points of Adeniyi’s message is the opportunity for Nigerian MSMEs.
Small businesses often face multiple challenges such as:

• High logistics costs
• Lengthy border procedures
• Limited access to export guidance
• Trade restrictions and documentation delays

The Customs boss emphasized that the conference will address these issues by promoting policies that make it easier for small businesses to export processed foods, leather items, textiles, agricultural products, and other locally made goods to African countries.

Adeniyi described MSMEs as “the backbone of Nigeria’s non-oil export future,” stressing that simplified trade procedures will help them scale faster.

Private Sector to Lead Conversations for the First Time

Unlike previous editions, this conference will open with a dedicated session for the private sector. Exporters, freight service providers, ports operators, manufacturers, and industry associations will be given the platform to speak directly to African customs heads about the everyday challenges they face.

This strategic shift is expected to produce more practical, business-friendly solutions that can be implemented without long bureaucratic delays.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Preparedness for AfCFTA

Adeniyi reaffirmed that Nigeria is intensifying its trade reforms to align with AfCFTA’s goals.
These ongoing reforms include:

• Upgrading port infrastructure
• Tackling congestion and delays
• Expanding the national single-window system
• Increasing customs modernization
• Building stronger inter-agency collaboration

He noted that these steps are all part of Nigeria’s commitment to creating a more transparent, competitive, and export-driven trade environment.

Revenue Growth and Economic Stability

Beyond trade facilitation, Adeniyi highlighted the strong revenue performance of the Nigeria Customs Service in recent years. While revenue remains important for national development, he stressed that enabling faster and easier trade yields broader long-term benefits such as job creation, industrial growth, and investment expansion.

This shift aligns with global best practices, where customs agencies balance revenue generation with trade facilitation and security.

What Nigeria Hopes to Achieve from the Conference

The upcoming African Customs Conference is expected to produce concrete outcomes, such as:

• A stronger collective agenda for implementing AfCFTA rules
• Reduction of non-tariff barriers affecting cross-border trade
• More efficient customs procedures among African nations
• A better support system for exporters, especially MSMEs
• Increased collaboration between customs administrations and financial institutions
• New frameworks to harmonize customs operations across the continent

Adeniyi expressed confidence that the conference would mark a turning point for Nigeria and Africa, especially as countries work to strengthen economic resilience after global and regional disruptions.

A Future of Stronger Regional Trade

He concluded that Nigeria is ready to lead conversations that will unlock Africa’s economic potential. For him, ensuring smooth trade across African borders is not just a policy goal—it is a vital strategy for revitalizing economies, supporting small businesses, and creating sustainable growth for millions.

As the continent prepares for this crucial gathering, expectations remain high that its outcomes will accelerate economic recovery, boost MSME competitiveness, and reshape Africa’s trade landscape for years to come.