The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) have renewed their commitment to working more closely in order to accelerate the country’s economic growth.
This development comes ahead of the NES Annual Conference, which is scheduled to hold in Abuja from 8 to 11 September 2025. The conference is expected to bring together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies for Nigeria’s economic transformation.
On Wednesday, 13 August 2025, the National President of NES, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, led a delegation of the Society’s Governing Council and the Chairman of the FCT Chapter on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, CGC Adeniyi stressed the importance of strong collaboration between economic researchers and operational agencies of government. He noted that while the NES provides evidence-based policy recommendations, the Customs Service plays a vital role in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and the enforcement of fiscal policies that shape the economy.
The Customs boss explained that bridging the gap between academic research and border operations would ensure more efficient policy implementation and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.
Professor Adenikinju, in response, said the visit was part of efforts by the Society to deepen its engagement with key economic institutions. He formally invited the CGC to participate in the 2025 Annual Conference, saying his experience and perspectives would enrich the discussions.
According to him, the Customs Service holds valuable data on trade flows, revenue patterns, and cross-border activities, which makes it a strategic partner in the country’s economic planning process.
The NES President also announced that the Comptroller-General has been nominated for the 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award (DPSNES), one of the Society’s highest honours.
He explained that the award is reserved for public officials whose work has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic progress. The nomination, he added, was in recognition of Adeniyi’s leadership in modernising Customs operations and implementing reforms that have boosted revenue and improved trade facilitation.
Under Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS has introduced innovative systems that have reduced bottlenecks, strengthened compliance, and enhanced efficiency across Nigeria’s ports and borders. These measures, according to NES, have had a positive impact on both government revenues and the ease of doing business.
The Society noted that the reforms carried out by the Customs boss have also helped strengthen Nigeria’s economic stability and improved the nation’s positioning in regional and global trade.
Adeniyi, in his response, expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged continued collaboration with NES and other stakeholders to promote national development.
He assured the delegation that the NCS would remain committed to policies and programmes that foster economic growth while maintaining its statutory role of safeguarding the nation’s borders.
The courtesy visit ended with both institutions reaffirming their resolve to strengthen ties and explore new areas ofT partnership ahead of the September conference.
The NES Annual Conference is widely regarded as one of the most influential economic gatherings in Nigeria, and the active involvement of Customs is expected to add practical depth to this year’s deliberations.
