By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

Nigeria and Malaysia have taken fresh steps to deepen bilateral customs cooperation, targeting improved trade facilitation and stronger border management amid rapidly growing economic ties between both countries.

The move followed a high-level meeting between the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad, during an official visit to Malaysia on the sidelines of DSA Malaysia 2026.

Discussions between the two customs chiefs focused on strengthening institutional collaboration, advancing customs modernisation, and developing coordinated border management systems to boost efficiency and regulatory compliance.

The renewed engagement comes as trade between Nigeria and Malaysia continues to surge. Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia rose significantly from N159.9 billion in 2020 to N716.0 billion in 2024, with total trade between both countries reaching about N1.82 trillion over five years.

Speaking during the meeting, Adeniyi stressed the need for a more structured and formal customs partnership, noting that Malaysia remains one of Nigeria’s key trading partners.

Major imports from Malaysia include crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, machinery, food products, and other industrial inputs.

Both countries acknowledged the absence of a formal legal framework governing customs cooperation despite longstanding trade relations.

To bridge the gap, they agreed to begin processes toward establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the World Customs Organisation framework through diplomatic channels.

Officials said the proposed agreement would enhance trust, provide a formal basis for cooperation, and support smoother trade processes between the two nations.

The meeting also featured a presentation by Malaysian authorities on their evolving border management system, including the creation of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to streamline frontline operations.

In response, the NCS highlighted its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other reforms aimed at ensuring faster cargo clearance, reducing costs, and improving compliance.

Both sides emphasised the need for closer collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and the use of technology to tackle illicit trade and cross-border crimes.

The Nigeria Customs Service said the outcomes of the engagement would strengthen its modernisation drive, enhance operational capacity, and support national economic growth.

During the visit, the Comptroller-General also met with officials at the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission and Defence Office in Malaysia, commending their role in promoting Nigeria’s interests and supporting citizens abroad.

The latest development signals a growing commitment by both nations to align customs operations with global best practices while facilitating safer and more efficient international trade.