The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in tackling drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this known on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, during a meeting with a UNODC delegation led by its Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi highlighted the role of Customs in addressing drug-related crimes, emphasizing that illicit substances fuel criminal activities, including banditry and terrorism. “Nigeria is no longer just a transit point for illicit substances—many criminals within the country are actively using them. Drug abuse among youths has also become a serious concern,” he stated.
He disclosed that, with approval from the National Security Adviser, the NCS had intensified efforts to ensure that confiscated drugs were immediately destroyed to prevent re-entry into circulation. “So far, over 71 containers of illicit substances have been destroyed, and we intend to continue this effort nationwide,” he added.
The Customs boss stressed the importance of intelligence-sharing in tackling drug smuggling, noting that UNODC’s global network provides valuable insights into trafficking routes. He also expressed interest in adopting models such as the US-led Container Security Initiative to enhance port screening and intelligence-sharing. However, he raised concerns about the environmental impact of burning seized drugs and called for the adoption of incineration technology for safer disposal.
Adeniyi announced that Nigeria would host a Regional Donor Conference for Customs Administrations in April 2025, bringing together 23 Customs administrations and development partners to discuss ways to support Customs operations. “We look forward to UNODC’s active participation, as the conference will highlight its contributions to Nigeria and the region while exploring new areas of cooperation,” he said.
UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Toure commended the NCS for its efforts in combating drug trafficking and assured continued support. “Customs officers are among the most highly trained professionals in Africa when it comes to detecting illegal activities, and they play a key role in the fight against transnational organised crime,” he noted.
He emphasized the need for intelligence-driven interventions at ports, seaports, and airports, stressing that criminal networks operate across multiple countries and can easily relocate when faced with enforcement measures. “A drug trafficker expelled from Ghana does not disappear into the Atlantic Ocean—they move to Côte d’Ivoire, Mali or Nigeria. This is why we must explore regional strategies to address these challenges collectively,” he observed.
Toure acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa in strengthening border security and combating organised crime. He cited UNODC’s past contributions, including refurbishing and equipping Customs offices in Lagos, while stressing that material support alone was insufficient. “We must move beyond training and focus on introducing effective detection mechanisms at ports and border points,” he stated.
He reaffirmed UNODC’s willingness to explore new areas of collaboration with the NCS, particularly in intelligence-sharing, technology-driven screening methods, and sustainable drug disposal mechanisms.