Nigeria and Belarus have signed a customs agreement to boost trade security and global cooperation.
The deal supports joint enforcement, intelligence sharing, and training for smarter border management.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step toward enhancing its global enforcement and intelligence capabilities following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Belarus. The agreement was finalized on Friday, June 27, 2025.
In a statement posted via its official X (Twitter) account on Saturday, the NCS confirmed that the MoU focuses on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters. It represents a critical advancement in Nigeria’s international customs diplomacy and aligns with broader reform efforts within the Service.
The signing took place on the sidelines of the 145th/146th sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council at the World Customs Organization (WCO) headquarters in Brussels. Nigeria was represented by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, while Mr. Vladimir Orlovsky, Chairman of the State Customs Committee, signed on behalf of Belarus.
Describing the agreement as a vital diplomatic and operational tool, CGC Adeniyi emphasized its relevance to Nigeria’s strategic push for modernization and international collaboration. He said the MoU would enable improved intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement operations, and capacity building for customs officers.
“This is a framework for learning, innovation, and solidarity among customs administrations,” Adeniyi said. “Nigeria is proud to stand alongside Belarus in advancing collaborative customs solutions that protect our borders and promote legitimate commerce.”
The agreement also establishes a solid legal foundation for mutual administrative assistance. This includes efforts in revenue protection, accurate classification and valuation of goods, enforcement of prohibitions, and joint anti-smuggling operations. It draws strength from existing international frameworks such as:
- The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs
- The 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances
- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
- The 1953 WCO Recommendation on Mutual Administrative Assistance
Adeniyi noted that the MoU supports NCS’s shift toward intelligence-led enforcement models, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in modern and compliant customs administration. This vision aligns with the broader national objective of transforming Nigeria into a hub for smart trade facilitation across Africa.
Echoing similar sentiments, Belarus’ customs chief Mr. Orlovsky praised Nigeria for its proactive efforts in seeking meaningful international partnerships. He expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the agreement.
“This MoU establishes the foundation for strategic engagement between our administrations,” Orlovsky remarked. “Our shared values in safeguarding trade and combating illicit activity will be the bedrock of this relationship.”
Under the MoU, both nations are expected to work closely on joint investigations, real-time intelligence exchange, customs officer training, and synchronized enforcement protocols all in accordance with their respective national laws.
The agreement is projected to boost trade efficiency and security between Nigeria and Belarus while contributing to broader international efforts to curb cross-border crime and illicit trade.
