Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, has begun strategic consultations aimed at strengthening trade and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China with a high-level meeting with the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in Abuja.
The former military officer and diplomat paid a courtesy visit to the Customs Headquarters as part of efforts to build institutional partnerships ahead of his diplomatic tenure in China, one of Nigeria’s major trading partners.
Ambassador Dambazau was received by the Comptroller-General and other senior Customs officers in what officials described as a warm and strategic engagement focused on advancing Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic interests.
During the meeting, the ambassador emphasized the importance of collaboration between his office and the Nigeria Customs Service in promoting trade facilitation, customs cooperation, investment opportunities and broader economic diplomacy between Nigeria and China.
According to him, Customs remains a critical institution in achieving Nigeria’s trade objectives and enhancing bilateral cooperation with China, particularly in areas relating to import and export regulation, revenue generation and cross-border commercial activities.
“I am here to establish strong collaboration toward ensuring an effective working relationship and a successful diplomatic tenure in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians,” Dambazau stated during the engagement.
Responding, Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that the ambassador’s proactive approach reflected his commitment to national development and effective international representation.
The Customs boss congratulated Dambazau on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the choice as well-deserved and beneficial to Nigeria’s foreign relations and economic interests.
Adeniyi lauded the ambassador’s leadership qualities, discipline and extensive public service experience, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with China and attract opportunities capable of boosting the country’s economy.
He also assured the ambassador of the full support and cooperation of the Nigeria Customs Service in achieving his diplomatic objectives, particularly in promoting policies and initiatives that would strengthen institutional ties and improve trade relations between both countries.
The Comptroller-General added that the Customs Service would continue to work closely with relevant government institutions and diplomatic missions to advance Nigeria’s strategic interests on the global stage.
The meeting signals a renewed push by the Federal Government to deepen economic diplomacy and maximize Nigeria’s trade relationship with China through stronger institutional collaboration and coordinated policy implementation.
China remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, with both countries maintaining strong ties in infrastructure development, technology, manufacturing and investment. Analysts believe stronger cooperation between diplomatic and trade institutions could further enhance economic opportunities for Nigeria and improve bilateral engagement between the two nations.