Amanze Chinonye
The Director-General of Algerian Customs, Major General Abdulhafid Bakhouche, has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in modernisation, training and trade facilitation as both countries deepen continental cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He made the commitment on Monday while receiving students of Senior Course 13 of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, who arrived at the Algerian Customs Headquarters in Algiers for a four-day study tour.
The visit forms part of an annual strategic training programme designed to expose senior customs officers to global best practices in border management, trade facilitation and oil export security.
Algeria, recognised for its advanced customs systems and robust petroleum export control mechanisms, has become a key partner in Nigeria’s ongoing drive to modernise its customs operations.
“We are fully prepared to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service in strengthening training, enhancing modernisation and improving the facilitation of customs procedures,” Major General Bakhouche 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.”
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The delegation is led by the Commandant of the College, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebanki, who delivered a message from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. Adebanki underscored the importance of international partnerships in addressing shared challenges across the continent.
“African customs administrations must work together, especially in training, building trade bridges and promoting modernisation that supports seamless trade across our continent,” she said. “We must continue to see ourselves as brothers and partners, irrespective of differences in culture or background.”
She also commended the Algerian authorities for the warm reception extended to the team.
This year’s study tour, themed “Customs Delivering on Commitment to Efficiency in Securing Oil Exports in Africa,” focuses on strengthening the capacity of participating officers in safeguarding energy supply chains an area of growing concern for major oil-producing nations like Nigeria and Algeria.
At the end of the engagement, the students are expected to gain deeper insights into Algeria’s oil export procedures and automated customs systems, with the objective of applying relevant lessons to enhance operations within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
