The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) are set to strengthen operational collaboration in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when he received a delegation from NAPTIP at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Adeniyi, who commended the agency for its sustained efforts in tackling human trafficking and related crimes, said the fight against transnational criminal networks requires stronger inter-agency cooperation.
“We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together,” the Customs chief said.
He noted that the Service views crime from a holistic national security perspective, not just as an issue of smuggling, and reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to supporting NAPTIP through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and policy coordination.
Adeniyi disclosed that the Service has intensified its enforcement of international conventions on environmental sustainability and the protection of flora and fauna. He also pledged full collaboration in the forthcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.
“We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally. We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore broader interventions that reinforce national security,” he assured.
In her remarks, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu, expressed appreciation for the Customs Service’s openness to partnership, describing it as vital to curbing cross-border crimes.
“We are a law enforcement agency with a mandate to prevent, prosecute, and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work,” she said.
Adamu noted that human trafficking patterns are evolving, underscoring the need for closer coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s entry and exit points.
Earlier, former Director of Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Lami Tumaka, said the visit aimed to seek Customs’ support for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.
Tumaka described Customs as a strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement, emphasizing that its involvement would be critical to the dialogue’s success.
“Your officers are often the first line of defence against the illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable,” she said.
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