By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, has explored opportunities for stronger collaboration with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China on trade facilitation, customs cooperation, technology and capacity development.This was pointed out in a a ppear statement on Friday, 28 August 2026, by the Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Hussaini. According to the statement, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, received the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, and her delegation during an official visit to the Unit in Ikeja.Comptroller Aliyu commended China’s zero-tariff regime initiative for imports from sub-Saharan Africa, describing it as “a win-win development capable of boosting the quality and volume of African exports to the Chinese market.” He said the initiative could encourage African producers to invest in value addition and export more semi-finished and finished products for greater economic returns.
Aliyu reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation with China. He expressed confidence that sustained engagement would enhance legitimate trade, capacity development, technological cooperation and community-oriented initiatives, while contributing to stronger Nigeria-China relations and shared economic prosperity.The Chinese Consul General, Yan Yuqing described Nigeria as a strategic partner to China, noting the growing presence of Chinese businesses and investments in the country. She stressed the importance of effective communication and collaboration with the NCS to facilitate legitimate trade, promote customs compliance and address trade-related infractions.Yuqing identified technology, artificial intelligence, digital economy, renewable energy, smart cities, industrialisation, agricultural modernisation and human capital development as areas with opportunities for expanded cooperation. She also highlighted Chinese-supported projects, including the Guangdong Free Zone in Ogun State, Lekki Deep Sea Port and activities within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.She further proposed capacity-building opportunities for Customs officers through Chinese government-sponsored training programmes, technical visits, seminars and study programmes in China. She also expressed willingness to facilitate Chinese-language training for Customs personnel and explore other areas of technical cooperation.
The delegation also discussed humanitarian and community-development initiatives, including medical assistance, women and youth empowerment, vocational training and renewable-energy projects. Particular attention was given to the Green Border Initiative of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), with possible support for underserved border communities through solar-powered facilities and clean-water projects.
