Over the last five years, commerce between Nigeria and Malaysia has climbed to about $1.21 billion, largely fuelled by a significant increase in imports from Southeast Asia, according to the Nigeria Customs Service.
Figures from the service indicate that imports from Malaysia rose steadily from around $106.6 million in 2020 to approximately $477.3 million in 2024, reflecting consistent growth in trade activity between both nations. Overall, total bilateral trade during the period was estimated at $1.21 billion.
The spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the upward trend reflects stronger commercial relations and sustained collaboration on customs procedures between both countries. He added that it also supports wider efforts to enhance trade facilitation and regulatory alignment internationally.
He further noted that recent discussions between the two sides were linked to a visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department during his participation in DSA Malaysia 2026, where both parties reviewed growing trade flows.
During the engagement, Adewale Adeniyi was hosted by the Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad, with talks focusing on modernising customs systems, institutional cooperation, and improving border management efficiency and compliance.
According to Abdullahi Maiwada, both sides acknowledged that despite years of trade relations, there is still no formal legal framework governing customs cooperation, a gap that has become more visible as trade volumes continue to expand.
To address this, the two countries agreed to initiate steps toward a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the World Customs Organisation framework, to be pursued through diplomatic channels. Officials said the agreement is expected to build trust and improve trade facilitation processes.
Adewale Adeniyi emphasised that the current level of trade now demands a more structured customs partnership, highlighting Malaysia’s importance as a key trading partner for Nigeria. Major imports from Malaysia include crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, food items, machinery, and industrial materials.
He also referenced Nigeria’s ongoing customs reforms, including the Authorised Economic Operator programme, which is designed to speed up clearance procedures, lower trade costs, and strengthen compliance systems.
Both delegations also explored deeper cooperation in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and digital border management tools, particularly to combat illicit trade and cross-border criminal activities.
Abdullahi Maiwada reaffirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service remains focused on expanding bilateral and multilateral partnerships to support trade expansion while protecting economic and security interests.
As part of the visit, Adewale Adeniyi also held meetings with officials at Nigeria’s diplomatic and defence missions in Malaysia, where he commended their role in supporting Nigerian citizens and safeguarding national economic interests abroad.