Nigeria’s Ambassador to China Dambazau Begins Strategic Push to Boost Trade Relations with Customs Partnership

Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, has commenced strategic engagements aimed at strengthening diplomatic and trade relations between Nigeria and China, beginning with a high-level meeting with the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in Abuja.

Dambazau, a former military officer and diplomat, paid a courtesy visit to the Customs Headquarters as part of efforts to foster institutional collaboration ahead of his diplomatic assignment in China, one of Nigeria’s biggest trading partners.

The ambassador was received by the Comptroller-General alongside top Customs officials during what was described as a strategic engagement focused on advancing Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic interests.

Speaking during the meeting, Dambazau stressed the need for close cooperation between the Nigerian Embassy in China and the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance trade facilitation, customs collaboration, investment opportunities and broader economic diplomacy between both nations.

He noted that the Customs Service plays a crucial role in achieving Nigeria’s trade objectives, particularly in areas such as import and export regulation, revenue generation and cross-border commerce.

“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 said.

In his response, Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi described the visit as timely and strategic, saying the ambassador’s proactive approach demonstrated his commitment to national development and effective international representation.

Adeniyi congratulated Dambazau on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the choice as beneficial to Nigeria’s foreign relations and economic interests.

The Customs boss also praised the ambassador’s leadership experience, discipline and record in public service, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with China and attract economic opportunities capable of boosting the nation’s economy.

He assured Dambazau of the full support and cooperation of the Nigeria Customs Service in achieving his diplomatic objectives, especially in promoting policies and initiatives that would strengthen institutional ties and improve trade relations between Nigeria and China.

According to Adeniyi, the Customs Service remains committed to working with government institutions and diplomatic missions to advance Nigeria’s strategic interests globally.

The meeting signals a renewed effort by the Federal Government to deepen economic diplomacy and maximise 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 cooperation in infrastructure development, technology, manufacturing and investment. Analysts believe enhanced collaboration between diplomatic and trade institutions could unlock greater economic opportunities for Nigeria and further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.