The Director-General of Algerian Customs, Major General Abdulhafid Bakhouche, has affirmed his agency’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the areas of training, customs modernisation and enhanced trade facilitation.
He made the pledge on Monday at the Algerian Customs Service Headquarters in Algiers, where he received participants of Senior Course 13 of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, who are on a four-day study tour.
Algeria Ready to Support Capacity Building Initiatives
Major General Bakhouche assured the delegation that the Algerian Customs Service is prepared to fully support their visit and deepen institutional collaboration.
“We are fully prepared to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service in strengthening training, enhancing modernisation and improving the facilitation of customs procedures,” he said.
“I urge you to pay attention throughout your stay. My officers are on standby to guide you and ensure the purpose of your tour is achieved.”
Nigeria Customs Emphasises Strong Continental Ties
The delegation is led by the Commandant of the College, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebanki, who relayed a message from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
She stressed the importance of closer ties among African customs administrations, noting that shared learning and cooperation are key to building an integrated continental trade system.
“African customs administrations must work together, especially in training, building trade bridges and promoting modernisation that supports seamless trade across our continent,” Adebanki said.
“We must continue to see ourselves as brothers and partners, irrespective of differences in culture or background.”
Adebanki also thanked the Algerian authorities for the warm reception accorded to the Nigerian delegation.
Study Tour Focuses on Securing Africa’s Oil Exports
This year’s study tour is themed “Customs Delivering on Commitment to Efficiency in Securing Oil Exports in Africa.”
Over the next four days, the students will engage with various units of Algerian Customs to deepen their understanding of oil export procedures, enforcement mechanisms and modern customs processes.
They are expected to draw lessons that can help strengthen Nigeria’s own export management systems and improve operational efficiency within the NCS.
