Nigeria Customs Wins Prestigious Award as Best National Security Service in Africa.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been named the Best National Security Service in West, East, and Central Africa for 2023/2024, a recognition that underscores the Service’s exemplary performance in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, enhancing trade facilitation, and tackling transnational crimes through innovative enforcement and technological advancements.
The prestigious award was presented at the Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar, on December 12, 2024. The recognition highlights the NCS’s role in fortifying national security while balancing its duties with trade facilitation.
NCS’s Groundbreaking Achievements
Speaking at the conference, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), represented by the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Abdullahi Maiwada, shared the NCS’s transformative achievements.
In his keynote address titled “Protecting National Security Through Effective Border Control: The Nigeria Customs Example,” CGC Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of border management in national security, stating that borders are not just geographical boundaries but vital gateways essential to protecting citizens, safeguarding economies, and fostering security.
Adeniyi reflected on the significant strides made by the NCS, particularly in 2024, which he described as a year of unparalleled accomplishments. Under his leadership, the NCS generated a record-breaking ₦5.1 trillion in revenue, showcasing the agency’s innovative use of technology and improved compliance systems.
Strategic Operations and Technological Innovations
CGC Adeniyi also highlighted the NCS’s impressive record in combating various security threats. Through intelligence-led operations, the Service intercepted several arms shipments, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at the Onne Seaport, significantly disrupting the illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Furthermore, NCS’s collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led to the interception of numerous illicit drugs.
The Service also played a key role in the fight against wildlife trafficking, intercepting 4,200 kilograms of pangolin scales and ivory. This action emphasized the NCS’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and compliance with international regulations.
In the fight against economic sabotage, particularly in the smuggling and diversion of petroleum products, the NCS’s Operation Whirlwind led to the interception of over 695,000 liters of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
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Technological Advancements
Adeniyi underscored the importance of geospatial technologies in enhancing the NCS’s surveillance and enforcement capabilities. The use of satellite feeds and geo-mapping has allowed the NCS to effectively monitor and disrupt illicit activities, ensuring that operations are both effective and sustainable.
The award is a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to national security, trade facilitation, and international cooperation, positioning it as a leader in border management and security enforcement across Africa.
