The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has issued a powerful call for unity among Nigeria’s security agencies, describing smuggling as a national menace too vast for any single institution to tackle alone.
Speaking at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja on Thursday, January 23, 2025, Adeniyi addressed Course 33 participants in a lecture that highlighted the economic and security implications of smuggling. His message was clear: collaboration is the only path to victory.
“Smuggling is not just about the illegal movement of goods,” Adeniyi explained. “It’s a sophisticated operation that undermines our economy, drains national resources, and funds criminal activities. No single agency can effectively combat the complexities of smuggling without the support and cooperation of others.”
He went on to emphasize that anti-smuggling efforts require seamless synergy between agencies like Customs, the military, police, and other paramilitary organizations. “Only through unity can we reduce these illegal activities to the barest minimum and create an environment that fosters economic growth,” Adeniyi declared.
The lecture, hosted in the prestigious NDC Auditorium, resonated with participants from various sectors, including the armed forces, civil service, and paramilitary units. Attendees were challenged to rethink how their organizations could work together to strengthen Nigeria’s economic security.
Adeniyi also shed light on innovative strategies employed by smugglers, urging agencies to adopt a smarter, tech-driven approach to stay ahead. “We need intelligence-sharing and the integration of advanced technology in surveillance and enforcement. These are no longer optional—they are necessary,” he said.
The twist in Adeniyi’s lecture was his assertion that smuggling isn’t just a criminal issue; it’s a symptom of larger systemic challenges. “Addressing smuggling requires addressing corruption, unemployment, and the porous nature of our borders. It’s a collective fight, not just for Customs but for every stakeholder committed to national progress,” he concluded.
The event ended with participants acknowledging the urgency of the call for collaboration. For those present, the challenge was clear: a united front is not only an ideal but a necessity to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and security interests.