The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has proposed a strategic collaboration between the revenue generation agency with the country’s armed forces to curb smuggling activities in the country.
The Comptroller-General, who mulled the idea when he hosted the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, in what he described as a pivotal meeting at the Customs headquarters in Abuja, commended the existing collaboration between the Service and the armed forces, harping on the critical role such partnerships play in national security.
While admitting the global challenges facing Customs Administrations, Adeniyi reiterated the commitment of the NCS towards collaboration, innovation, and consultations, stressing that “we stand stronger when we work together.
The Comptroller-General, who recalled past collaboration between the revenue agency and the Defence ministry, highlighted the support received in capacity building, joint operations, and training exercises.
Adeniyi expressed the Service’s dedication to exploring innovative solutions to challenges, leveraging technology, and working closely with other government agencies, and proposed an intensified joint exercise between the Customs Service and the military and unannounced frequent operations to demonstrate a show of force, acting as a deterrent to criminals.
He harped on the importance of shared experiences in training, facilitating a better understanding of operational contexts and assured the CDS of the Customs Service’s continued support, stressing the prioritization of clearing military consignments and participation in training programs.
In his remarks, General Musa commended the NCS for the critical role it is playing in the nation’s security landscape and the Comptroller-General for his dedication since assuming office, acknowledging the challenges faced by the country, particularly in the face of the global economic downturn.
On the issue of collaboration between the military and the Service, the military chief acknowledged the significant support received from the revenue agency, particularly in civil-military cooperation initiatives and harped on the need for enhanced collaboration, training, and information sharing between the armed forces and Customs.
