The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has collaborated with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) to inaugurate the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment in Lagos.
The Centre, named in honour of the NCS Comptroller-General, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, aims to elevate Nigeria’s trade and investment capabilities while equipping customs officers with advanced skills for international trade facilitation.
The NCS spokesman, Mr. Abdullah Maiwada, announced the launch in a statement recently, describing the centre as a “finishing school” for senior customs officials. The centre’s inauguration recently marks what Mr. Maiwada called a “significant step” in empowering Nigeria’s trade landscape and developing local expertise in global commerce.
Comptroller-General Adeniyi emphasised the centre’s mission to serve as a think tank on trade and investment, aiming to position Nigeria advantageously within the global trade ecosystem.
“As we continue to advance these initiatives, I envision that this centre will evolve into a comprehensive national think tank focused on international trade and investment,” he said.
He further highlighted the centre’s commitment to fostering prosperity through enhanced trade facilitation, stating, “Trade brings prosperity, and we hope that this centre will foster prosperity through trade.”
Mr. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General (DG) of the NIIA, expressed enthusiasm about the centre’s potential impact, highlighting its role in offering senior executive courses and certifications for customs officers. He also noted that the NIIA would integrate the centre’s curriculum with the global framework of the World Customs Organization, providing Nigerian customs officers with internationally recognized training standards.
The event included a panel discussion featuring prominent figures like former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke and Dr. Chinyere Almona, who delved into pressing issues within Nigeria’s trade and investment sectors. The dialogue explored key challenges and innovative solutions for advancing the nation’s economic landscape.
After the discussions, Comptroller-General Adeniyi officially unveiled the centre and led a tour of the facility, which is expected to serve as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s growth in international trade, bridging knowledge gaps and reinforcing the customs service’s mission of effective trade facilitation.
