Nigeria Customs, BAT Nigeria Sign MoU To Tackle Illicit Tobacco Trade

Nigeria Customs, BAT Nigeria Sign MoU to Tackle Illicit Tobacco Trade

The Nigeria Customs Service and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU aimed at strengthening efforts to combat illicit tobacco trade, improve regulatory compliance and protect legitimate investments in Nigeria.The agreement, signed at the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja, is expected to deepen cooperation between both organisations in addressing tobacco smuggling, enhancing information sharing and supporting enforcement actions against illegal trade networks operating within and across Nigeria’s borders. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the pact as a strategic framework designed to strengthen collaboration between the Customs Service and BAT Nigeria in tackling illicit cross-border trade and promoting compliance throughout the tobacco value chain. He said the agreement would provide a structured mechanism for cooperation and reinforce efforts to eliminate illegal movement of tobacco products within the country. According to Adeniyi, the partnership extends beyond the fight against illicit trade and sends a positive signal to local and foreign investors about Nigeria’s commitment to protecting lawful businesses and fostering a conducive investment environment. He noted that illicit trade undermines government revenue, distorts markets and creates unfair competition for businesses that comply with regulations. Industry stakeholders have long identified tobacco smuggling as a significant challenge to revenue generation and market regulation. Illegal tobacco products often evade duties and taxes, weakening government revenues while creating market advantages for non-compliant operators. Managing Director of BAT Nigeria, Yarub Al-Bahrani, described the agreement as a landmark development that reflects the growing relationship between the company and the Customs Service. He said effective public-private sector collaboration is essential for protecting legitimate commerce, strengthening regulatory compliance and supporting responsible business practices. Al-Bahrani added that the partnership would promote a more coordinated approach to combating illicit trade, support stronger enforcement measures and enhance Nigeria’s compliance with domestic laws and relevant international obligations. Under the terms of the agreement, both parties are expected to collaborate on intelligence gathering, information exchange, capacity building and coordinated enforcement initiatives aimed at identifying and disrupting illicit tobacco trade networks. The arrangement is also expected to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and improve the effectiveness of anti-smuggling operations. Analysts say the move comes at a time when governments and businesses worldwide are increasing efforts to curb illicit tobacco trade, which continues to pose economic, regulatory and security challenges in many countries. The World Health Organization’s framework on eliminating illicit tobacco trade encourages stronger cooperation among enforcement agencies, regulators and industry stakeholders to address the problem. Illicit tobacco trade includes the smuggling, unlawful distribution and sale of tobacco products outside approved regulatory frameworks. Experts say the practice deprives governments of tax revenues, weakens consumer protections and creates unfair competition for businesses that comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Through the newly signed MoU, the Nigeria Customs Service and BAT Nigeria aim to strengthen enforcement efforts and support a more secure and compliant trading environment.