CGC Adeniyi Backs Interoperable Customs Systems to Drive AfCFTA

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has identified interoperable customs systems as a vital requirement for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Customs Modernisation Project.

He said harmonising customs technology across African countries would remove one of the biggest obstacles to seamless cross-border trade on the continent.

Adeniyi spoke in Lagos during the signing of a 20-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the AfCFTA Secretariat and Bergmans Security to commence the AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project. The event was held on the sidelines of the Digital Trade Forum 2026.

The Customs boss noted that differences in the technological capabilities of customs administrations across Africa had continued to slow the implementation of the continental free trade agreement.

“We are indeed delighted because one of the major obstacles that we have faced in this journey of implementation of AfCFTA is the interoperability of our systems. All the Customs administrations cannot operate at the same level, but when we have interoperability, it becomes easier for us all to hook up to one system and get trade facilitation done,” Adeniyi said.

He described the selection of Bergmans Security to execute the project as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s customs modernisation drive and an endorsement of the country’s progress in digital transformation.

“We are delighted that it is a Nigerian company that has been given this platform to extend what they have been doing to the rest of Africa and for us to achieve trade facilitation and the implementation of the AfCFTA,” he added.

Earlier, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, said the continental body adopted Nigeria’s customs modernisation model after observing its success in deploying digital technologies to improve revenue generation and operational efficiency.

According to him, the partnership with Bergmans Security is expected to accelerate efforts to establish a unified customs system across Africa.

“Today, as we speak, Nigeria is benefiting from the deployment of these technologies. From our point of view, the continent has a lot to gain from the model that was introduced here in Nigeria. That’s why we signed the agreement today,” Mene said.

He added that the initiative would help create a modern and interoperable customs system that would enable businesses across Africa to take full advantage of the expanded market under the AfCFTA.

The AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project is expected to strengthen customs cooperation among member states through harmonised digital platforms, improve trade facilitation, enhance revenue collection and support the full implementation of the continental free trade agreement by creating a more efficient and integrated trading environment.