CGC Adeniyi seeks interoperable Customs systems to drive AfCFTA

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for interoperable customs systems across Africa, saying harmonised digital platforms are essential for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the promotion of seamless intra-African trade.

Adeniyi made the call on Wednesday during the signing of a 20-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the AfCFTA Secretariat and Bergmans Security for the implementation of the AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project on the sidelines of the Digital Trade Forum 2026 in Lagos.

According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the Customs boss described the lack of harmonised technology among African customs administrations as a major obstacle to the implementation of the continental trade agreement.

“We are indeed delighted because one of the major obstacles that we have faced in this journey of implementation of AfCFTA is the interoperability of our systems. All the Customs administrations cannot operate at the same level, but when we have interoperability, it becomes easier for us all to hook up to one system and get trade facilitation done,” Adeniyi said.

The statement said Adeniyi also described the selection of Bergmans Security to drive the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s customs modernisation journey and a recognition of the country’s digital transformation efforts.

“We are delighted that it is a Nigerian company that has been given this platform to extend what they have been doing to the rest of Africa and for us to achieve trade facilitation and the implementation of the AfCFTA,” he added.

The statement further quoted the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, as saying the Secretariat adopted Nigeria’s customs modernisation model after observing the country’s success in deploying digital technologies that have enhanced revenue collection and improved operational efficiency.

“Today, as we speak Nigeria is benefiting from the deployment of these technologies. From our point of view, the continent has a lot to gain from the model that was introduced here in Nigeria. That is why we signed the agreement today. We believe that the partnership with Bergmans Security will enable us to achieve our objective of creating a continental, modern, interoperable customs system that will ensure all our economic operators benefit from an expanded market,” Mene said.

The statement added that the AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project is expected to strengthen customs cooperation among member states through harmonised digital platforms, improve trade facilitation, enhance revenue collection and accelerate the full implementation of the continental trade agreement.