Nigeria Customs Service and Afreximbank strengthen partnership to boost intra-African trade
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The Nigeria Customs Service has enhanced its collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank Afreximbank to accelerate intra-African trade and address barriers to the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA. This renewed partnership was affirmed during a visit by Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, to Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi at the Customs headquarters in Abuja. The discussions focused on expanding trade facilitation initiatives, harmonizing customs procedures, strengthening regional transit systems, and developing mechanisms for more efficient cross-border trade. Adeniyi emphasized that the partnership is built on the belief that Africa's prosperity will be driven by trade among African countries. He noted that the collaboration would support Afreximbank's regional transit initiatives, accelerate the development of one-stop border posts, and promote global best practices in customs administration. Elombi commended the Customs Service for its leadership in regional integration, stating that Afreximbank is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen trade facilitation and accelerate AfCFTA implementation. The meeting also reviewed the successful collaboration during the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade in November 2025. Separately, Adeniyi identified the lack of interoperable customs systems as a major challenge to AfCFTA implementation. This was discussed during the signing
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
A video of a corn seller claiming to earn N2.5 million monthly has gone viral, igniting discussions across social media platforms in Nigeria. The short clip, shared on X, shows the seller stating her monthly income, leading to mixed reactions. Many Nigerians questioned the feasibility of such earnings, with some users performing calculations to dispute the claim, while others suggested possibilities like multiple business branches. Concerns were also raised about the potential security risks the publicity could pose to the seller. This social media debate follows recent remarks by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who encouraged Nigerian women to engage in low-capital businesses like corn roasting, suggesting they could benefit from grants. Her comments had previously drawn criticism for seemingly downplaying economic hardships. President Bola Tinubu and his Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, defended the First Lady's statements, highlighting broader government empowerment initiatives. The discussion around petty trading and economic empowerment has since extended beyond social media, even appearing in a university examination at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Kogi State.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Senate has defended its passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration State Police Bill, 2026, stating that 84 out of 109 senators voted in favor during clause-by-clause consideration. Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, clarified that the bill resulted from years of consultations, public hearings, and engagements with various stakeholders, including the Executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Nigeria Police leadership. He dismissed claims of partisan interests, highlighting that opposition legislators participated actively. Bamidele noted that public hearings in July 2025 across the six geopolitical zones showed overwhelming support for state police. He argued that the current security system is overstretched and that the proposed amendment clearly defines responsibilities for federal and state police to prevent conflicts. Federal police would handle national security matters, while state police would enforce state laws and maintain public order. The bill includes safeguards against abuse by governors, such as requiring National Police Council recommendations and two-thirds majority approval from the relevant state House of Assembly for police commissioner appointments. A State Police Service Commission would independently regulate state police operations, and federal intervention would only occur under specific conditions like a breakdown of public order or threats to national security.
Must ReadThe Enugu State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association NMA has condemned the arrest of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, an internationally acclaimed cardiothoracic surgeon, from his Enugu residence on July 3, 2026. In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting, the NMA stated that security agencies have not officially communicated the reasons for his arrest. The association, through its Chairman Dr. Sunday Okafor and General Secretary Dr. Chima Edoga, has engaged with the Office of the Security Adviser to the Enugu State Governor, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force to ascertain the circumstances. The NMA emphasized that while it recognizes the constitutional duties of law enforcement, due process and human dignity must be respected. The association has informed its national leadership and is working to protect Professor Aghaji's constitutional rights, including access to family, legal representation, and medical care. An emergency general meeting of NMA members is planned to discuss further actions. The Enugu State Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe, has denied involvement in the arrest, stating they did not make such an arrest and do not have Professor Aghaji in their custody.