In a bid to curb illegal trading of endangered species and human trafficking, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
CGC Adeniyi made the commitment on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, while receiving a delegation from NAPTIP led by the Director-General, Binta Adamu, at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.
The Customs Boss, who appreciated the visit, commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support.
He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, stressing that the Service 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 when we work together,” He said.
He 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 the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of traffick dynamics.
L-R: Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)Hajia Binta Adamu, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and BoT member, MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Hajia Lami Tumaka during a courtesy visit to Customs Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday.
“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.” He added.
On her part, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the Customs Service. She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas including intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.
“I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency saddled with the responsibility to prevent, prosecute and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work,” She noted.
She said human trafficking continued to evolve, requiring close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.
Earlier, a former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, Lami Tumaka, said the visit was to seek Customs’ partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.
Tumaka described Customs as a strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement, stressing its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue. “Your Officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable,” She added.
