Customs Chief Showcases NCS’ Global Leadership In Border Security

Speaking at the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference held in Doha, Qatar, Adeniyi, represented by the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, highlighted the Service’s dual achievements in security enforcement and trade facilitation.

Delivering a keynote address titled “Protecting National Security Through Effective Border Control: The Nigeria Customs Example,” Adeniyi underscored the significance of border management as a cornerstone of national security. He described borders as critical gateways influencing a nation’s capacity to protect its citizens, secure its economy, and foster global security partnerships.

CGC Adewale Adeniyi attributed the NCS’s recent successes to the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, which has empowered the Service to address emerging threats, streamline operations, and foster inter-agency collaboration. He described the Act as a legislative milestone that has redefined the Service’s operational priorities and positioned it as a leader in border management innovation.

Reflecting on 2024, Adeniyi shared the Service’s record-breaking achievements, including a historic revenue generation of ₦5.1 trillion. “This milestone reflects not just fiscal prudence but also the innovative use of technology and enhanced compliance frameworks,” he said. He credited the Customs workforce’s resilience and partnerships with stakeholders, both domestic and international, for these groundbreaking results.

The CGC also detailed the NCS’s critical role in intercepting illegal arms shipments, revealing how intelligence-driven operations led to the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at Onne Seaport. These efforts, he noted, have curtailed the proliferation of small arms, a persistent threat to national security. The Service also collaborated with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intercept significant quantities of illicit drugs, further showcasing its commitment to public safety.

In addition to arms and narcotics control, the NCS has intensified efforts against wildlife trafficking, intercepting 4,200 kilograms of pangolin scales and ivory. Adeniyi emphasized the Service’s dedication to biodiversity conservation and its alignment with international environmental protection standards.

Meanwhile, the fight against economic sabotage has yielded significant results, with Operation Whirlwind intercepting over 695,000 liters of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Adeniyi highlighted the deployment of advanced geospatial technologies, including satellite feeds and geo-mapping, to enhance surveillance and enforcement capabilities. These innovations, he stressed, ensure that the Service’s operations are not only effective but also sustainable, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in border security and trade facilitation.

Crowning the NCS’s achievements, the Service was honored with the prestigious ‘Best National Security Service in West, East, and Central Africa 2023/2024’ award during a Gala/Award Night at the Africa Security Watch Conference. Adeniyi was also recognized for his exemplary leadership, a testament to his vision and dedication to fortifying Nigeria’s borders, curbing transnational crimes, and fostering economic growth through innovative strategies.

By Fikunmi Sokoya