The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has restated the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) determination to combat smuggling and safeguard the nation’s borders. In a decisive move, the CGC convened a high-level meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2024, with Customs Area Controllers overseeing border regions to discuss strategies to reinforce border security.

The meeting, which focused on innovative approaches and operational challenges, was aimed at revitalizing the Service’s anti-smuggling operations. Addressing the gathering, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the importance of collaboration, intelligence-driven enforcement, and community engagement as critical elements in securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting its economy.

The CGC reiterated the NCS’s commitment to staying ahead of smugglers through smarter and more adaptive strategies. “Our resolve is unwavering. We will continue to enhance our operational capabilities and work with stakeholders to ensure the integrity of our borders,” he said.

The discussions underscored the need for technology-driven operations, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and active partnerships with local communities in border areas. The CGC urged the Area Controllers to prioritize these aspects in their jurisdictions, emphasizing that the fight against smuggling requires collective efforts and innovative solutions.

This strategic engagement underscores the NCS’s relentless pursuit of its mandate to curb smuggling and ensure economic stability. With the renewed focus on intelligence and collaboration, the NCS aims to strengthen its role as a critical player in Nigeria’s economic and security framework.