By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has identified integrated customs systems as the missing link in the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, urging African countries to embrace harmonised digital platforms to boost cross-border trade.
A statement on Sunday by Abdulahi Maiwada, Customs spokesperson, says Adeniyi made the remarks in Lagos during the signing of a 20-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the AfCFTA Secretariat and Bergmans Security to launch the AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project.
The statement noted that the event was held on the sidelines of the Digital Trade Forum 2026.
According to the Customs boss, differences in technology platforms used by customs administrations across Africa remain a major obstacle to seamless trade under the continental free trade agreement.
“One of the major obstacles that we have faced in the implementation of AfCFTA is the ability of our systems to work together. All Customs administrations cannot operate at the same level, but when our systems are connected and compatible, it becomes easier for us all to link to one platform and facilitate trade,” Adeniyi said.
He welcomed the selection of Bergmans Security to drive the project, describing it as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s customs modernisation programme and a testament to the country’s progress in digital customs administration.
Adeniyi said the initiative would allow a Nigerian company to extend its expertise across the continent, supporting trade facilitation and accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA.
Also speaking, Wamkele Mene said Nigeria’s success in deploying digital customs technologies informed the Secretariat’s decision to adopt the country’s modernisation model for continental implementation.
He noted that the technologies had improved revenue generation and operational efficiency in Nigeria and would help create an integrated customs system that benefits businesses across Africa.
The AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project is expected to harmonise customs processes among member states through connected digital platforms, strengthen customs cooperation, improve revenue collection and facilitate faster movement of goods across the continent.
