The Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in tackling smuggling, maritime crime and other threats to national security. The pledge was made during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, to the Zonal Coordinator of Customs, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Mohammed Babandede, in Lagos.
Babandede said the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate extends beyond revenue collection to protecting local industries, implementing government trade policies and safeguarding national security by preventing the movement of prohibited goods. He commended the Nigerian Navy’s role in maritime security and stressed that stronger inter-agency cooperation remains a key priority of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, particularly in combating the trafficking of illicit drugs and other contraband.
Mustapha described the NCS as a strategic institution driving revenue generation, trade facilitation and economic growth. He also praised the agency’s adoption of technology and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.
He noted that both agencies share responsibility for securing the nation’s borders, combating criminal activities and disrupting illicit trade, stressing that closer operational synergy would further strengthen national security, maritime safety and Nigeria’s economic interests.