The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a revitalized enforcement strategy for 2025 aimed at enhancing border management, combating smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade. This strategic overhaul was announced in a statement released by Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Key components of the strategy include the reduction of customs checkpoints nationwide to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and persons. The NCS will now rely heavily on actionable intelligence and advanced risk management frameworks to bolster its enforcement capabilities. Additionally, geospatial tools and cutting-edge technologies will be deployed to ensure the effectiveness of anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation.

As part of the modernization effort, the NCS has also announced the dissolution of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), effective immediately. This decision follows consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Initially established in 2019 under the code name “Ex-Swift Response” to enforce the partial border closure policy, the JBPT evolved into a critical mechanism for curbing the influx of dangerous goods and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.

The NCS commended the dedication of partner government agencies involved in the JBPT for their pivotal roles in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders. The dissolution marks a transition to a more intelligence-driven approach to border enforcement, aligned with the Service’s broader goals for 2025.

The Comptroller-General reassured the public and stakeholders that these measures will not compromise border security or trade facilitation. Instead, they signify a commitment to modernizing customs operations, enhancing trade compliance, and strengthening national security.

The NCS called on stakeholders to support the fight against economic sabotage and reaffirmed its dedication to securing the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.