Nigeria, Algeria Deepen Customs Partnership as NCS Students Visit Algiers

Algeria has pledged enhanced cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in customs modernisation, training and trade facilitation as both nations advance efforts to improve collaboration between their border agencies.

Major General Abdulhafid Bakhouche, Director-General of Algerian Customs, pledged Algiers while receiving students of Senior Course 13 from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, who are on a four-day study tour.

“We are ready to intensify partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service in boosting training, strengthening modernisation policies and simplifying customs processes,” Bakhouche stated, assuring the visitors of full support. He encouraged the students to maximise the study opportunity and confirmed that Algerian officers are available to guide them throughout the programme.

The Nigerian delegation was led by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Oluyomi Adebanki, Commandant of the College, who relayed a message from Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi calling for deeper regional collaboration. Adebanki emphasised the growing need for African customs administrations to strengthen cooperation as intra-continental trade expands under AFCTA.

She thanked the Algerian hosts for the warm reception, noting that improved customs relations will enhance knowledge sharing, trade bridges and regional integration. The study tour, themed “Customs Delivering on Commitment to Efficiency in Securing Oil Exports in Africa,” focuses on understanding Algeria’s oil sector export procedures and identifying best practices that could support Nigeria’s operational improvements.

The visit comes as both West and North African nations push for seamless trade systems supported by automation, transparency and anti-smuggling reforms. The NCS has in recent months increased its international engagement efforts with countries including Benin, Ghana and South Africa, while Algeria has upgraded export documentation systems to curb illicit trade.

At the end of the programme, the touring officers are expected to gain valuable insight into Algeria’s customs architecture and apply relevant lessons to strengthen Nigeria’s border and oil-export efficiency.