The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to combat human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.
CG Adeniyi gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when a delegation from NAPTIP paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Commending the agency for its dedication to national service, the Comptroller-General stressed that tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges requires unified inter-agency action.
“We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that the Customs Service views its responsibilities beyond anti-smuggling operations, placing them within a broader national security framework. He also highlighted the Service’s increased focus on environmental sustainability and adherence to international conventions on flora and fauna protection.
Adeniyi assured the NAPTIP delegation of full cooperation in the forthcoming National Dialogue on Human Trafficking and Stowaway Incidents, scheduled for February 2026, pledging technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and integration of anti-trafficking modules into Customs training programmes.
“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 added.
On her part, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at formalising the partnership, describing Customs as a critical ally in the fight against human trafficking.
“We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute, and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work,” she stated.
Adamu observed that human trafficking methods continue to evolve, making closer coordination among agencies managing Nigeria’s borders imperative.
Earlier, former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, Lami Tumaka, said the visit aimed to secure Customs’ collaboration for the upcoming one-day National Policy Dialogue on Human Trafficking by Sea and Stowaway Incidents.
She described Customs as a strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement, noting that its nationwide presence and operational expertise are vital to the success of the initiative.
“Your officers are often the first line of defence against the illicit movement of goods and persons. Your involvement is indispensable,” she added.
