Customs, Navy Strengthen Partnership to Tackle Smuggling, Maritime Crime in Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening inter-agency collaboration in the fight against smuggling, maritime crime and other threats to national security.
The renewed commitment was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, to the Zonal Coordinator of Customs, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, in Lagos.
The high-level engagement reinforced the longstanding partnership between the two security agencies, with both sides pledging to strengthen cooperation in intelligence sharing, enforcement operations and border security.
Speaking during the meeting, ACG Babandede said the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service goes beyond revenue generation to include implementing government trade policies, protecting local industries and safeguarding national security through effective monitoring of prohibited and harmful goods.
“The government doesn’t just collect money. It is also interested in protecting local industries and creating jobs,” he said.
Babandede described the Armed Forces as the pride of the nation and commended the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast commitment to maritime security.
He noted that collaboration with sister security agencies remains one of the key policy priorities of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, particularly in combating the proliferation of Indian hemp, codeine, cocaine and other illicit substances across West Africa.
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According to him, sustained inter-agency cooperation is essential to improving institutional effectiveness and enhancing national security.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha said the visit was aimed at formally introducing himself as the new Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, while exploring additional areas of collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone ‘A’.
He described the Customs Service as a strategic national institution whose contributions to revenue generation, trade facilitation and economic development continue to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
The naval commander also commended the Service’s adoption of innovation, technology and artificial intelligence, noting that the deployment of modern tools has enhanced operational efficiency and positioned Nigeria’s ports for greater competitiveness.
“Customs is partnering with the government to upgrade some of the best ports. With innovation and technology, certain problems will become a thing of the past,” Mustapha said.
He added that enforcement remains a critical area of cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Customs Service, stressing that both agencies share the responsibility of combating criminal activities, securing the country’s borders and disrupting illicit trade.
According to him, while the Customs Service plays a vital role in intercepting prohibited goods and illicit drugs, the Navy complements those efforts through intelligence-driven maritime operations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The meeting underscored the commitment of both agencies to strengthening operational synergy in support of national security, maritime safety and the country’s economic interests.
By PRNigeria
