NIGERIA–MALAYSIA TRADE HITS N1.82 TRILLION IN FIVE YEARS, SAYS CUSTOMS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Trade between Nigeria and Malaysia has climbed to N1.82 trillion over the past five years, according to The Media.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Maiwada, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
Maiwada noted that Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia rose significantly from N159.9 billion in 2020 to N716.0 billion in 2024, bringing the total trade value between both countries to about N1.82 trillion within five years.
He explained that the development reflects ongoing efforts to deepen international customs cooperation and improve trade facilitation, as the NCS continues to strengthen its strategic engagement with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
The engagement followed a working visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to the headquarters of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department on the sidelines of the DSA Malaysia 2026 conference.
According to Maiwada, Adeniyi was received by the Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad, with both officials holding high-level discussions on customs modernisation, institutional cooperation, and improved border management systems.
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He added that both agencies acknowledged the absence of a formal legal framework guiding their long-standing customs relationship, despite growing trade volumes.
To address this, both sides agreed to begin processes toward establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the World Customs Organisation framework, to be pursued through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The initiative, he said, is expected to formalise cooperation, strengthen mutual trust, and enhance trade facilitation between both countries.
Speaking during the meeting, Adeniyi stressed the need for a more structured customs partnership, noting that Malaysia remains a key trading partner for Nigeria.
He highlighted major imports from Malaysia, including crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, food products, machinery, and other industrial goods.
Adeniyi also emphasised the importance of balancing trade facilitation with national security and economic protection.
He pointed to the NCS Authorised Economic Operator programme and other reforms aimed at improving clearance efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening compliance.
Both parties also discussed enhanced collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and technology-driven border management to tackle illicit trade and transnational crimes.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its broader modernisation agenda, noting that outcomes from the engagement would boost operational efficiency, improve trade flows, and reinforce border security.
As part of the visit, the Comptroller-General also met with officials at the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission and Defence Office in Malaysia, commending their efforts in supporting Nigeria’s interests abroad.
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department also showcased its evolving border management system, including the establishment of a dedicated border control and protection agency to enhance frontline operations.
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