ZAINAB JUNAID
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for integrating technology into border security and trade facilitation. This proactive initiative, he affirmed, is indispensable in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
While receiving the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi in his office, on Thursday, 6 March 2025, Mallam Ribadu praised the Customs Service’s commitment to modernisation and efficiency in securing Nigeria’s borders.
He stressed that integrating advanced technology into border management aligns perfectly with broader national security objectives.
“We are confident that these innovations will enhance border control operations while ensuring that legitimate trade is not hindered,” the NSA remarked.
Earlier, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology for enhanced border security.
He highlighted the NCS’s efforts in deploying Geospatial technology to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement across Nigeria’s land and maritime borders.
The CGC emphasised the crucial role of technology in modern border management, noting that the Service has made significant progress in integrating cutting-edge solutions to combat smuggling, trafficking, and other trans-border crimes.
“Technology remains the key to effective border management in today’s rapidly evolving security landscape. The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to deploying Geospatial technology and other innovative tools to enhance our surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement capabilities. These efforts are designed to align with international best practices while addressing Nigeria’s unique border security challenges,” CGC Adeniyi stated.
He further explained that the technology-driven initiatives would not only strengthen the nation’s ability to curb illicit trade but also facilitate seamless, legitimate cross-border transactions.
While the meeting reiterated the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling security threats and ensuring national stability, the NSA assured the CGC of continued support for the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation agenda, emphasising the need for synergy in intelligence sharing and operational coordination.
