The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) have acknowledged the absence of a formal legal framework guiding bilateral customs cooperation, despite longstanding trade relations. Nigeria's imports from Malaysia increased from N159.9 billion in 2020 to N716 billion in 2024, with cumulative trade value reaching approximately N1.82 trillion over five years. Key imports include crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, food preparations, machinery, and other industrial inputs.
Official Visit Highlights Gap
This disclosure came during an official visit by the Comptroller-General of NCS, Dr. Bashir Adeniyi, to the RMCD Headquarters on the sidelines of his participation at DSA Malaysia 2026. In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, both administrations agreed to initiate processes toward establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the World Customs Organisation (WCO) framework, to be pursued through appropriate diplomatic channels.
Structured Cooperation Needed
Adeniyi, who was received by RMCD Director-General Dato' Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad, emphasized that the scale and trajectory of Nigeria–Malaysia trade relations necessitate a more structured and formalized customs-to-customs partnership. He noted that Malaysia remains a significant trading partner for Nigeria, with key imports including crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, food preparations, machinery, and other industrial inputs.
The Comptroller-General underscored the critical role of customs administrations in facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding national economic and security interests. Both leaders held high-level discussions focused on institutional collaboration, customs modernization, and coordinated border management frameworks to strengthen efficiency and regulatory integrity.
Malaysia's Border Management Architecture
The engagement provided an opportunity for the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to present its evolving border management architecture, including the establishment of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) as an integrated frontline border control body. In response, Adeniyi highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service's Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other trade facilitation frameworks designed to ensure predictable clearance processes, reduce transaction costs, and strengthen compliance.
Both sides emphasized the importance of deeper collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and technology-driven border management, particularly in addressing illicit trade and transnational trafficking.
Commitment to Modernization
Adeniyi reiterated NCS's commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its broader modernization agenda. He reaffirmed that the outcomes from the engagement will enhance operational capacity, improve trade facilitation, and reinforce border security while supporting Nigeria's economic growth objectives. As part of ongoing efforts to deepen institutional collaboration, the Comptroller-General also visited the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission and Defence Office in Malaysia, commending their roles in advancing Nigeria's interests and supporting nationals abroad.
