The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasized the critical need for interagency collaboration to effectively combat smuggling and its adverse impact on Nigeria’s economy. Adeniyi made this call while delivering a lecture to Course 33 participants at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
In his address, the Customs boss highlighted the complexities of smuggling and stressed that no single agency can tackle the menace alone. “The multifaceted nature of smuggling requires a united front,” Adeniyi said. “Collaborating with other security agencies is essential for effective anti-smuggling operations. It is only through synergy that we can reduce these illegal activities to the barest minimum and foster economic growth in Nigeria.”
The lecture, held at the prestigious NDC Auditorium, served as a platform to discuss strategies for addressing smuggling and its far-reaching economic implications. Adeniyi underscored the need for mutual understanding and trust among security agencies, emphasizing that coordinated efforts are crucial for protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and enhancing national security.
The Economic and Strategic Stakes
Adeniyi warned that smuggling continues to undermine the country’s revenue generation efforts, destabilize local industries, and threaten economic stability. He identified interagency synergy as the cornerstone of any successful anti-smuggling campaign. “Smuggling is not just an economic crime; it is a threat to our collective security. To curb it, we must transcend organizational silos and prioritize collaboration,” he stated.
The National Defence College, renowned as Nigeria’s apex institution for military and strategic studies, hosted an audience that included senior military officers, paramilitary personnel, civil servants, and industry experts. Participants described Adeniyi’s presentation as both insightful and thought-provoking, praising its relevance in addressing contemporary security and economic challenges.
During the lecture, Adeniyi elaborated on the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to leveraging intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and capacity building across agencies. He also called for enhanced training programs and the adoption of modern technology to track and neutralize smuggling networks.
Adeniyi expressed optimism that fostering collaboration among security agencies would not only disrupt smuggling operations but also create an enabling environment for sustainable economic development. “Our shared goal is a robust and secure economy, and this can only be achieved when all stakeholders work together seamlessly,” he added.
The event concluded with participants commending the Customs boss for his forward-thinking approach to tackling one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. As smuggling continues to pose significant threats to national security and economic progress, the call for interagency synergy stands as a clarion call for transformative action.
Adeniyi’s lecture at the NDC served as a wake-up call for all stakeholders, reinforcing the urgent need for unity in the fight against smuggling to protect Nigeria’s future.
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