Interoperability Key to AfCFTA Customs Modernization – CGC Adeniyi

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has highlighted the need for interoperable customs systems across Africa, describing them as a key requirement for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) customs modernization project.

Adeniyi made this known in Lagos during the signing of a 20-year public-private partnership (PPP) agreement between the AfCFTA Secretariat and Bergmans Security to initiate the AfCFTA Customs Modernization Project. The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Digital Trade Forum 2026.

The CGC described the lack of harmonized technology across African customs administrations as a major obstacle to the implementation of the Continental Trade Agreement.

“We are really happy because one of the main obstacles we have faced in this journey of implementing the AfCFTA is the interoperability of our systems. All customs administrations cannot operate at the same level, but when we have interoperability, it becomes easier for all of us to connect to one system and get trade benefits,” Adeniyi said.

Adeniyi also welcomed the choice of Bergmans Security to lead the initiative, describing it as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s customs modernization journey and a recognition of the country’s digital transformation efforts.

“We are delighted that it was a Nigerian company that was given this platform to extend what they have done to the rest of Africa and to enable us to achieve trade relief and implementation of the AfCFTA,” he said.

Earlier, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, said the secretariat adopted Nigeria’s customs modernization model after observing the country’s success in implementing digital technologies that improved revenue collection and improved operational efficiency.

“Today, as we speak, Nigeria is benefiting from the development of these technologies. And from our perspective, the continent has a lot to gain from the model introduced here in Nigeria. That is why we signed the MoU today. We believe that the partnership with Bergaman Security will enable us to achieve our goal of creating a continental, modern and interoperable customs system that will ensure that all our economic operators benefit from an expanded market,” Mene noted.