The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has solidified its position as a leader in border security innovation, earning the coveted ‘Best National Security Service in West, East, and Central Africa 2023/2024’ award at the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar recently.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Chief Superintendent Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered a compelling keynote address that highlighted the Service’s transformative achievements.
In his speech titled “Protecting National Security Through Effective Border Control: The Nigeria Customs Example,” CGC Adeniyi underscored the critical role of borders as gateways to national security and economic stability. “Borders are not just geographical boundaries; they are strategic points that determine a nation’s ability to protect its citizens, safeguard its economy, and foster security,” he said.
The CGC celebrated the enactment of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, which he described as a game-changer for the Service. “This legislative milestone has redefined our operations, enabling us to adapt to emerging threats, enhance efficiency, and strengthen partnerships,”
Adeniyi noted. He highlighted 2024 as a year of record-breaking achievements, including a remarkable ₦5.1 trillion in revenue generation, achieved through technology-driven reforms and enhanced compliance frameworks.
“Beyond the numbers, this success reflects the efficiency and resilience of our workforce,” he added, while acknowledging strengthened collaborations with both domestic and international stakeholders.
The CGC detailed the NCS’s success in combating various security threats through intelligence-led operations. Key achievements include: Interception of arms and ammunition: Seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at Onne Seaport, significantly disrupting the proliferation of small arms.
Drug enforcement: Collaborative efforts with the NDLEA resulting in multiple interceptions of illicit drugs.
Wildlife conservation: Seizure of 4,200 kilograms of pangolin scales and ivory, showcasing NCS’s commitment to biodiversity and global anti-trafficking efforts.
Smuggling operations: Under Operation Whirlwind, the NCS, in partnership with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), intercepted over 695,000 liters of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
These efforts have bolstered Nigeria’s fight against economic sabotage, illegal arms trafficking, and environmental crimes.
Adeniyi emphasised the transformative role of technology in modern border security. Through geospatial tools like satellite feeds and geo-mapping, the NCS has enhanced its surveillance and enforcement capabilities, making operations more effective and sustainable.
The conference’s Gala/Award Night on December 12, 2024, celebrated the NCS’s exceptional achievements. The Service’s accolades reflect its leadership in border security, trade facilitation, and transnational crime prevention. CGC Adeniyi was also individually honored for his exemplary leadership, further cementing the NCS’s reputation on the global stage.
“These achievements are a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders,” Adeniyi said.