The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been named the “Best National Security Service in West, East, and Central Africa 2023/2024” at the prestigious Africa Security Watch Conference and Awards held in Doha, Qatar.
This recognition highlights the NCS’s exceptional contributions to border security, trade facilitation, and the fight against transnational crimes.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed pride in the Service’s achievements, noting that the award underscores the NCS’s innovative strategies, dedication to national security, and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
Speaking through the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the CGC delivered a keynote address titled “Protecting National Security Through Effective Border Control: The Nigeria Customs Example.”
The award also celebrated the visionary leadership of CGC Adeniyi, who was individually recognised for steering the Service to unprecedented success.
Reflecting on the honour, Adeniyi attributed the milestone to the resilience, efficiency, and innovation of the Customs workforce.
“In 2024, we achieved record-breaking revenue of ₦5.1 trillion, reflecting the effectiveness of our compliance frameworks and the innovative use of technology,” he said.
Adeniyi emphasised that the Service’s progress has been bolstered by the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, which has repositioned the agency to address emerging security challenges and thrive in a dynamic environment.
The NCS’s commitment to national and regional security played a central role in earning this accolade. Under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, the Service has intercepted critical contraband, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at the Onne Seaport. These seizures have significantly disrupted the flow of small arms and light weapons, which are a persistent threat to national security.
Additionally, the NCS’s collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has led to numerous drug seizures, while efforts to combat wildlife trafficking have resulted in the interception of 4,200 kilograms of pangolin scales and ivory, showcasing the Service’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and international compliance.
In combating economic sabotage, the Service, through “Operation Whirlwind”, intercepted over 695,000 liters of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Advanced geospatial technologies, including satellite feeds and geo-mapping, have been instrumental in these successes.
At the awards ceremony held on December 12, 2024, the NCS was praised for its innovative enforcement strategies, which blend technology with intelligence-led operations to enhance surveillance and enforcement capabilities.
Speaking on the award, CGC Adeniyi remarked, “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service in securing our nation’s borders, enhancing economic growth, and protecting our citizens. It is an honor for the NCS and a motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence.”
The Africa Security Watch award further cements the NCS’s status as a leader in border security and trade facilitation in the region. Its successes offer a model for other African nations seeking to address border-related challenges through innovative strategies and technological advancements.
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