The Nigeria Customs Service has said that the service is enhancing service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making to improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes.
In a statement, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said this during a bilateral meeting with United States Customs and Border Protection in Washington, D.C.
He noted that the meeting focused on reviving the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement.
Adeniyi emphasised that the officials had been actively addressing the challenges of cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering while ensuring national security.
The CGC highlighted the successful interception of illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, at major ports and airports in the country.
“Reviving the CMAA would bolster the service’s capacity to protect the nation’s borders and enhance service delivery, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians,” he added.
The customs boss also stressed the need for increased capacity building to tackle intellectual property rights enforcement and opiate issues.
“Our efforts at the ports and airports have yielded significant results, but there is still much to be done in capacity building and enforcement,” he said.
Adeniyi underscored the importance of the Centre for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks.
Additionally, he advocated for an advanced command and control centre to address security concerns.
“A dedicated targeting data fusion centre will significantly improve our ability to manage risks and enhance security measures,” Adeniyi explained.
The meeting also covered the challenges of commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with U.S. government agencies.
Adeniyi highlighted the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger sides.
“By customising our approaches and collaborating globally, we can address the complexities of air cargo security more effectively,” he remarked.
Earlier, the Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, James Collins, emphasised data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address transnational criminal groups exploiting seams and boundaries.
“Integration of data and international cooperation is crucial in countering transnational threats,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration and information sharing in border security and intelligence gathering.
He emphasised investing in capacity building, train-the-trainer programmes, and targeted training to address gaps in border security.
Collins stressed the need for secure channels for sharing intelligence and building partnerships with international organisations to sustain efforts to combat illicit trade and traffic.
“Continuous training and secure intelligence sharing are vital to our success in maintaining border security,” Collins noted.
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