By Nkechi Eze
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in tackling human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.
CGC Adeniyi made the pledge on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Describing the visit as timely and strategic, the Customs boss lauded NAPTIP’s relentless efforts in combating human trafficking and transnational crimes, assuring that the Service remains fully committed to supporting the agency’s mandate through intelligence sharing, technical assistance, and training.
He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges are multifaceted and must be addressed through synergy among law enforcement bodies, stressing that Customs does not see crime merely through the prism of smuggling, but as part of broader national security concerns.
“We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together,” Adeniyi stated, emphasizing that cooperation between Customs and NAPTIP will enhance national security and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s borders.
He further disclosed that the Service has stepped up its environmental protection agenda by intensifying enforcement of international conventions on the protection of flora and fauna. According to him, Customs will actively participate in the forthcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents slated for February 2026.
“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 CGC assured.
On her part, NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed her agency’s commitment to forging stronger operational ties with the Nigeria Customs Service.
“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 mandates to prevent, prosecute and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work,” she said.
Adamu explained that human trafficking is constantly evolving, with traffickers exploiting new routes and methods, making inter-agency collaboration—particularly with border agencies—crucial to stemming the tide.
Speaking earlier, former Director of Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Lami Tumaka, highlighted the importance of Customs’ participation in the proposed national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.
She described the Customs Service as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement,” noting that its input would be pivotal to the success of the dialogue.
“Your officers are often the first line of defence against the illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable,” Tumaka remarked.
The courtesy visit, according to both agencies, marks a renewed phase of inter-agency cooperation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture, promoting human dignity, and protecting endangered species in line with international standards.
