The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have resolved to join forces in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.
To this end, the two government agencies have reiterated their readiness to collaborate and attain set goals objectives in the two areas that have bedeviled Nigeria over the years.
The Comptroller General, NCS, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi dropped the hint in Abuja when a delegation from NAPTIP and MMS WoFHoF Initiative paid him a courtesy visit at NCS corporate headquarters, Customs House, Maitama, Abuja recently.
While expressing appreciation over the visit, he hailed the delegation for their continued service to the country.
Adeniyi used the occasion to assured them of what he called NCS unwavering support.
According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, stressing that NCS does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications. We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together.
The NCS boss revealed that the service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assuring the delegation that Customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.
He pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to NCS training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.
His words: “We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally. We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security.”
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello in her remarks expressed delight at securing formal engagement with NCS.
She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.
According to Bello, I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandate to prevent, prosecute and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work.
Bello noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring close co-ordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.
A member the Board of Trustees (BoT), MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Hajia Lami Tumaka in her remarks said the visit was to seek NCS partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.
Tumaka who was prior to her retirement was a Director in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) described NCS as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement.”
Tumaka whose strides as the Head of NIMASA Public Affairs Department is yet to be match by anyone else averred that NCS involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.
Her words: “Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable.”
