The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
This partnership aims to combat human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species more effectively.
During a courtesy visit from NAPTIP officials led by Director General Binta Adamu, Adeniyi emphasised the importance of joint action in addressing national security challenges. He noted that the NCS views crimes such as human trafficking and smuggling of endangered species not just as isolated incidents but as part of broader national security implications that require a multi-agency approach.
Key Highlights of the Meeting:
Collaboration on National Security:
Adeniyi assured NAPTIP of the Customs Service’s unwavering support in tackling these crimes, highlighting the power of collaboration in achieving more significant results.
Environmental Sustainability: The Comptroller-General revealed that the NCS has intensified its efforts on environmental sustainability and enforcement of international conventions related to flora and fauna.
Technical Support: The Customs Service pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to its training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.
Upcoming National Dialogue: The two agencies discussed plans for a national dialogue on human trafficking and stoaway incidents scheduled for February 2026. The Customs Service will provide full support for the event, including technical expertise.
Adamu expressed her agency’s delight in securing formal engagement with the Customs Service. She emphasised the importance of partnership in preventing, prosecuting, and protecting victims of human trafficking. She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.
The meeting also featured remarks from Lami Tumaka, a former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, who highlighted the critical role of the Customs Service in border management and maritime enforcement. She described Customs as a strategic player whose involvement is indispensable to the success of initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking and stowaway incidents.
This renewed partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and NAPTIP underscores the commitment of both agencies to tackle these complex issues more effectively and protect the nation’s security and well-being.