Nigeria Strengthens Customs Partnership With U.S to Combat Cross-Border Crimes
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in a significant initiative towards combating cross-border crimes, held a meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in Washington, D.C.
The bilateral meeting focused on revitalising the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA), aiming to enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making to improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes.
During the meeting, Adeniyi emphasised the proactive measures taken by Nigerian Customs officials in addressing cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering, while ensuring national security.
He highlighted the successful interception of illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, at major Nigerian ports and airports.
“Reviving the CMAA will bolster the Nigeria Customs Service’s capacity to protect the nation’s borders and enhance service delivery, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians,” Adeniyi stated.
He also stressed the importance of increased capacity building to tackle Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and opiate issues.
Adeniyi underscored the necessity of establishing a Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks, highlighting the success of prosecuting wildlife criminals and the need for such a center to enhance cargo and passenger security.
Additionally, he advocated for an advanced command and control center to address security concerns, explaining, “A dedicated targeting data fusion center will significantly improve our ability to manage risks and enhance security measures.”
The meeting also addressed the challenges of commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with U.S. government agencies.
Adeniyi highlighted the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger sides.
“By customising our approaches and collaborating globally, we can address the complexities of air cargo security more effectively,” he remarked.
James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, emphasised the critical role of data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address transnational criminal groups exploiting seams and boundaries.
“Integration of data and international cooperation is crucial in countering transnational threats,” Collins noted.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration and information sharing in border security and intelligence gathering, stressing the need for secure channels for sharing intelligence and building partnerships with international organizations to sustain efforts in combating illicit trade and traffic.
Key action items identified during the meeting include establishing specific channels for continued intelligence sharing between Nigeria Customs and CBP, exploring operational partnerships between Nigeria Customs units and networks like CBP to coordinate cross-border responses, leveraging INTERPOL programs, and collaborating with other West and Central African countries on transnational crimes.
The meeting concluded with a presentation on Artificial Intelligence by Sunil Madhugri from the Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, highlighting the future of technology in enhancing customs operations and security.
“Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in our strategy to modernize and secure our borders,” Madhugri said.
In a related event, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi visited the Nigerian Embassy in the USA, where he was received by Mr. Rabiu Lawal, Charge d’Affaires a.i, and his team.
The CGC expressed his appreciation for their warm reception and their tireless efforts for all Nigerians in the diaspora.
