The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved another milestone on the global stage, receiving the coveted ‘Best National Security Service in West, East, and Central Africa 2023/2024’ award at the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference held in Doha, Qatar. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, was also recognized for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the Service’s achievements.

Represented by the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, CGC Adeniyi delivered a keynote address titled “Protecting National Security Through Effective Border Control: The Nigeria Customs Example.” He emphasized the strategic importance of border management in safeguarding national security and driving economic growth. According to Adeniyi, borders are critical gateways that protect citizens, secure economies, and foster overall safety.

Highlighting the Service’s achievements, Adeniyi described 2024 as a landmark year, during which the NCS generated a record-breaking ₦5.1 trillion in revenue. This feat, he noted, was made possible by innovative use of technology, strengthened compliance frameworks, and enhanced workforce efficiency.

The CGC also detailed NCS’s operational successes, including intelligence-led operations that intercepted significant arms shipments, such as 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at Onne Seaport. These efforts have disrupted the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, a persistent threat to national security. Furthermore, collaborations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) resulted in numerous interceptions of illicit drugs.

On combating wildlife trafficking, Adeniyi highlighted the interception of 4,200 kilograms of pangolin scales and ivory, showcasing the Service’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and international compliance. Additionally, he discussed the fight against economic sabotage, noting the interception of over 695,000 liters of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) through Operation Whirlwind in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The CGC attributed these achievements to the empowering provisions of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, which redefined the Service’s operational priorities and enhanced its capacity to address emerging threats. He also noted the adoption of geospatial technologies, including satellite feeds and geo-mapping, which have bolstered surveillance and enforcement capabilities, ensuring sustainable and effective border operations.

During the Gala/Award Night held on December 12, 2024, the NCS was celebrated for its exceptional performance in fortifying Nigeria’s borders, enhancing trade facilitation, and curbing transnational crimes. The recognition underscores the agency’s innovative enforcement strategies and technological advancements under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership.

The Comptroller-General reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to maintaining its momentum, fostering partnerships, and embracing innovation to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and economic interests.