Improving Nigeria’s Digital Safety Through Customs–NCC Synergy
By Abdulsalam Mahmud,
Nigeria’s digital ecosystem is fast expanding, with millions of citizens relying daily on mobile phones, internet devices and communication networks to work, trade and stay informed.
Yet, beneath this progress lies a growing concern — the unchecked inflow of substandard communication devices that threaten not only service quality but also national security. It is against this backdrop that the recent collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) emerges as a vital step toward safeguarding the country’s digital frontier.
A fortnight ago, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, hosted the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja. But the meeting was far from a routine courtesy visit.
It was a deliberate engagement anchored on a shared vision — to build a safer, smarter Nigeria where imported devices meet required standards, security is strengthened, and public safety remains central to digital progress. For years, the inflow of uncertified mobile phones, network boosters, and telecom equipment has quietly undermined Nigeria’s communication landscape.
Beyond the loss of government revenue through smuggling and false declarations, the real danger lies in the infiltration of unregulated devices that can be used for illicit activities or compromise national security. The Customs–NCC partnership signals a new era of vigilance where technology, regulation, and enforcement converge for the collective good.
Adeniyi, whose leadership has redefined Customs’ operations with a strong emphasis on innovation and integrity, made it clear that the Service is now looking beyond revenue. “Unchecked importation of mobile devices poses security risks,” he warned, stressing that closer synergy with the NCC would enable both agencies to monitor, certify, and classify all communication-related imports under the Customs tariff regime.
The goal, he noted, is to ensure that only authorised and approved devices find their way into the Nigerian market. In many ways, the move mirrors global best practices where Customs authorities and telecom regulators collaborate to enforce import standards.
Adeniyi’s vision goes further — training Customs officers on certification procedures, aligning tariff codes with regulated devices, and building an integrated digital system that can flag irregularities before they become threats. “Both for effective security and revenue, we will be committed to deepening collaboration,” he affirmed.
Dr. Maida, on his part, echoed this commitment with equal conviction. The NCC boss, who has been at the forefront of modernising Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, stressed that device quality plays a major role in the overall user experience.
“One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself,” he explained. “If a subscriber is using a substandard phone, no matter the investment operators make in their networks, service quality will remain poor.”
Read Also:
He pointed to the NCC’s Device Management System (DMS), an initiative designed to track imported phones and block fake or uncertified devices. Through this system, the Commission can monitor the movement and authenticity of mobile devices, ensuring that only those approved for use in Nigeria are connected to the network.
This, in turn, improves service quality, protects consumers, and increases government revenue by reducing smuggling and grey-market sales. Beyond technical enforcement, both agencies are also considering broader safety measures.
Adeniyi highlighted the importance of vigilance in urban centres where dense populations and complex infrastructure increase the risk of accidents or disasters. The growing concentration of high-rise buildings, worship centres, and sensitive installations in Abuja, he observed, demands proactive safety management — a responsibility both agencies are now determined to share.
The partnership is also significant for its symbolic value. It demonstrates how Nigeria’s key institutions can work together across boundaries to solve multidimensional challenges. Customs’ control at the borders and NCC’s oversight of the digital environment complement each other, forming a shield against the dangers of substandard technology and cyber insecurity.
Perhaps more importantly, the collaboration reflects a new understanding of national security — one that goes beyond physical threats to include the invisible risks embedded in digital systems. Substandard or cloned devices can be used for surveillance, fraud, or sabotage, while network distortions caused by uncertified boosters can disrupt emergency communications.
By joining forces, the NCS and NCC are not just regulating devices; they are protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s digital space. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has made digital transformation a key pillar of economic renewal, this partnership fits neatly into the broader agenda of innovation-driven governance.
As the CGC’s international recognition as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council shows, Nigeria is increasingly seen as a reform-minded player in global trade and security. The Customs–NCC alliance now offers an opportunity to translate that reputation into tangible impact.
By institutionalising this collaboration, Nigeria can not only reduce the influx of fake devices but also create a more trustworthy telecom market that supports both investors and consumers. It can also inspire similar partnerships between other regulatory agencies — proving that synergy, not silos, is the true pathway to progress.
In the end, improving Nigeria’s digital safety will require sustained cooperation, technology-driven enforcement, and public awareness. Citizens must understand that buying cheaper, uncertified phones has far-reaching consequences for service quality and even personal security.
Traders must learn that compliance with regulations benefits everyone in the long run. The Customs–NCC partnership may have begun with a handshake at the Maitama Customs House, but its promise extends far beyond that room. It marks a collective commitment to a safer, more reliable digital Nigeria — one where security, technology, and governance work hand in hand for the nation’s future.
Mahmud, Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, wrote in via: [email protected].
