The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced significant reforms as part of its 2025 Enforcement Strategy, aimed at modernising border management, combating smuggling, and promoting legitimate trade.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the Service’s plans to streamline operations by reducing customs checkpoints nationwide. This move is expected to ease the movement of goods and persons while enhancing operational efficiency through intelligence-driven frameworks and advanced technologies, including geospatial tools.
In a bold step towards reform, the NCS also announced the dissolution of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT). The JBPT, which originated from the 2019 “Ex-Swift Response” operation, was instrumental in enforcing the partial border closure policy. Over the years, it played a pivotal role in curbing the entry of prohibited goods and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s trade regulations.
“The dissolution followed consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and reflects the Service’s confidence in its modernised strategies to handle border enforcement independently,” said Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS National Public Relations Officer.
Despite the changes, the NCS has assured stakeholders that these reforms will not compromise border security. Instead, they are expected to enhance trade facilitation, improve compliance, and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The Comptroller-General called for continued cooperation from all stakeholders in tackling economic sabotage and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and fostering an environment conducive to legitimate trade.
The announcement comes as Nigeria continue to push for innovative measures to secure its borders and stimulate economic growth through effective customs operations.
Read Full Press Release from Nigeria Customs Service
PRESS RELEASE
NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE REINVIGORATES ITS ENFORCEMENT STRATEGY FOR 2025, ANNOUNCES DISSOLUTION OF JOINT BORDER PATROL TEAM (JBPT)
1. In a determined effort to enhance border management, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced its 2025 Enforcement Strategy. This new strategy is designed to eliminate trade bottlenecks, bolster border security, combat smuggling activities, and promote legitimate trade practices.
2. To streamline operations and improve efficiency, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has approved the reduction of customs checkpoints across Nigeria. The Service will now adopt a more intelligence-driven approach, leveraging strategic risk management frameworks and geospatial tools alongside advanced technologies. These measures highlight the NCS’s commitment to innovative and effective border enforcement.
3. In line with these reforms, the Service has also dissolved the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) after extensive consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The JBPT, which evolved from “Ex-Swift Response” launched in 2019, was instrumental in enforcing Nigeria’s partial border closure policy. It played a crucial role in curbing the influx of contraband and ensuring compliance with trade and security regulations. The NCS appreciates the collaboration of various government agencies in this operation, whose efforts have significantly contributed to securing Nigeria’s land borders.
4. The NCS assures stakeholders and the public that these measures will not compromise border security or trade facilitation. Instead, they mark a major step toward modernising customs operations, improving trade compliance, and enhancing national security.
5. The Comptroller-General of Customs reiterates his commitment, alongside his officers and men, to safeguarding the nation’s borders, promoting legitimate trade, and protecting the well-being of all Nigerians. He calls for the continued support of all stakeholders in the fight against economic sabotage.
ABDULLAHI MAIWADA
Assistant Comptroller of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
For Comptroller-General of Customs
24 December 2024
