Nigeria and India signs customs mutual administrative agreement

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signed a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with its Indian counterpart.The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented the NCS during the signing ceremony, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

The agreement is part of the engagements during the state visit of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on November 17, 2024, at the State House, Abuja.Adeniyi described the CMAA as a milestone achievement, resulting from negotiations that began in 2016.

“The agreement is expected to enhance collaboration between customs administrations, streamline border clearance processes, and curb customs-related offenses,” he stated.“By facilitating the swift clearance of goods and reducing trade costs, the CMAA is set to bolster cross-border trade development and improve the enforcement of customs laws.”

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) includes enforcement of customs laws by ensuring the accurate imposition of duties and taxes, verification processes through the facilitation of proper classification, valuation, and determination of goods’ origin, and prevention and investigation by strengthening mechanisms to combat customs offences.

Additionally, other items in the CMAA include information exchange through the establishment of robust communication channels and mutual assistance, including the provision of expert witnesses when necessary.

The agreement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international trade partnerships while reinforcing the integrity and efficiency of its agency’s operations.