The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) have taken steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation on trade facilitation and border management, as trade between both countries continues to expand.
This followed an official visit by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, to the RMCD headquarters in Malaysia on the sidelines of the DSA Malaysia 2026.
The engagement comes amid significant growth in trade relations between the two countries. Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia rose from N159.9 billion in 2020 to N716.0 billion in 2024, with cumulative trade estimated at N1.82 trillion over five years.
During the visit, Adeniyi was received by Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad, the Director-General of RMCD, who assumed office in March 2026. Both officials held high-level talks focused on strengthening institutional collaboration, advancing customs modernisation, and enhancing coordinated border management systems.
Adeniyi stressed the need for a more structured customs-to-customs relationship, noting that the scale and trajectory of Nigeria-Malaysia trade require a formalised partnership. He described Malaysia as a key trading partner, with major imports into Nigeria including crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, machinery, food products, and other industrial inputs.
He also highlighted the critical role of customs administrations in balancing trade facilitation with national security and economic protection.
Both parties acknowledged that despite longstanding trade ties, there is no formal legal framework guiding bilateral customs cooperation. To bridge this gap, they agreed to begin processes toward establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the framework of the World Customs Organisation. The agreement, to be pursued through diplomatic channels, is expected to enhance trust, streamline procedures, and support reciprocal trade facilitation measures.
The discussions also featured presentations on evolving border management systems. The Malaysian delegation showcased its integrated border control model, including the establishment of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
In response, the NCS highlighted its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other trade facilitation initiatives aimed at improving predictability in cargo clearance, reducing transaction costs, and strengthening compliance.
Both sides underscored the importance of deeper cooperation in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and the deployment of technology-driven solutions to tackle illicit trade and transnational trafficking.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening both bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its ongoing modernisation agenda. It noted that outcomes from the engagement are expected to boost operational efficiency, enhance trade facilitation, and reinforce border security, while supporting Nigeria’s broader economic growth objectives.
As part of his visit, the Comptroller-General also met with officials at the Nigerian diplomatic mission and Defence Office in Malaysia, commending their efforts in advancing Nigeria’s interests and supporting citizens abroad.
