The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of Saudi Arabia have entered into a bilateral agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, marking a new chapter in strategic international customs relations.

The agreement was signed on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the 145th/146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council, hosted by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi, Governor of the Saudi authority, signed for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking after the signing, CGC Adeniyi described the deal as a significant step in enhancing customs diplomacy and strengthening Nigeria’s commitment to global trade cooperation.

“This agreement provides a strong platform for operational synergy in tackling customs offences, sharing intelligence, and ensuring the fair and accurate application of customs laws,” he said.

He emphasized that the agreement aligns with ongoing efforts to modernise the NCS, improve transparency, and deepen Nigeria’s role in global trade facilitation. The deal establishes a formal framework for mutual administrative assistance in enforcement, valuation, classification, revenue protection, and border management.

Drawing from international frameworks such as the WCO Recommendation on Mutual Administrative Assistance (1953), the agreement enables both nations to work together in combating illicit trade, sharing operational data, and coordinating enforcement.

Governor Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi welcomed the development, stating that both countries shared common customs challenges. He noted that the agreement would serve as a platform for exchanging best practices and strengthening enforcement efforts to protect their respective economies.

“Saudi Arabia welcomes this partnership with Nigeria. Our customs administrations face similar challenges, and through this agreement, we aim to share knowledge, strengthen enforcement, and safeguard our economies from illicit trade,” he said.

Under the agreement, both countries will support joint investigations, data exchange, and enforcement of prohibitions and restrictions based on their national laws. The agreement remains in force indefinitely, with provisions for amendments or termination through diplomatic correspondence.