Nigeria Customs, Navy join forces to improve vessel traffic management
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has deepened its collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, with the aim of boosting trade facilitation and curbing smuggling activities. The partnership is expected to leverage the Nigerian Navy’s expertise in maritime security to enhance the Customs’ capacity to monitor and track vessel movements in and out of […]
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has deepened its collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, with the aim of boosting trade facilitation and curbing smuggling activities.
The partnership is expected to leverage the Nigerian Navy’s expertise in maritime security to enhance the Customs’ capacity to monitor and track vessel movements in and out of the country’s ports.
This will not only improve the efficiency of port operations but also help to prevent smuggling and other illicit activities.
Some of the key areas of collaboration include the sharing of intelligence, joint patrols of the nation’s territorial waters, and the training of Customs personnel on maritime security operations.
The fresh partnership was unveiled when the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha.
He said the visit is to deepen operational collaboration in line with the three policy thrusts of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Speaking during the visit, the CAC stated: “The CGC has Three (3) key policy thrusts. The first is consolidation. On assuming duty, I resolved to consolidate on the gains already achieved and improve the existing relationship between Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within this axis.”
On collaboration, he noted that modern border management requires agencies to work in tandem, adding: “While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military, the mother of security.”
On innovation, he added: “Innovation is doing things differently to achieve better results and strengthening inter-agency cooperation is part of that approach.”
He appreciated the Navy for securing Nigeria’s waters, stating: “No vessel can come into the country without safe waters. We commend you for keeping the maritime environment secure.”
He also solicited sustained support along the Apapa port corridor to ensure seamless cargo movement.
In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha acknowledged the longstanding partnership between both agencies, emphasizing: “Port security is about inter-agency and coordination. Without security, there is no development.”
He commended the Service under CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for its performance, noting: “The Customs has done exceptionally well in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. Continue what you are doing; with more revenue, there will be more infrastructure and social safety network for the country.”
The FOC assured the Command of improved and seamless cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.