In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s trade and investment capabilities, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has joined forces with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) to establish the Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment. The center was inaugurated on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the NIIA headquarters in Lagos, with a mission to support Nigeria’s positioning in the global trade landscape.
Named in honor of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, the new center will function as a national think tank dedicated to advancing international trade and investment. Highlighting the significance of the center, CGC Adeniyi remarked, “The establishment of this Centre aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to redefine its role in the global trade environment. I see it evolving into a vital resource for advancing our trade initiatives and policies.”
NIIA Director General Professor Eghosa Osaghae, in his welcome address, emphasized the center’s purpose as a “finishing school” for senior customs officers. “With the Bashir Adeniyi Centre, we’re offering a specialized curriculum for senior Customs personnel, one that will grant them certification upon completion,” he said. “We intend to integrate Nigeria Customs Service into a global framework through executive courses designed in line with the World Customs Organisation standards.”
The event also featured a panel of distinguished experts, including former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke and Dr. Chinyere Almona, who engaged in discussions on challenges and solutions in Nigeria’s trade and investment sectors.
Addressing the media, CGC Adeniyi underscored the center’s role in advancing trade facilitation. “Our commitment to trade facilitation remains strong. This center will not only build capacity but will also enhance awareness about the critical role of international trade in fostering economic prosperity,” he stated.
The CGC officially unveiled the facility with a tour, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s pursuit of a more dynamic trade and investment environment.