Nigeria, US Customs Move To Tackle Cross-Border Crimes

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington, D.C have decided to collaborate on how to improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes.

They also resolved to revive the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) in order to enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making.

At a meeting in tge United States with CBP, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained that Customs officials had been actively addressing the challenges of cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering while ensuring national security.

Also, he stressed the need for increased capacity building to tackle Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and opiate issues. The meeting also covered the challenges of commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with U.S. Government agencies.

Adeniyi explained the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger sides.

The comptroller general highlighted the successful interception of illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, at major ports and airports in Nigeria.

He noted: “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.

Our efforts at the ports and airports have yielded significant results, but there is still much to be done in capacity building and enforcement.”

The comptroller general underscored the importance of a Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks, noting that the success of prosecuting wildlife criminals and discussed the need for such a centre to enhance cargo and passenger security.

On his part, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, James Collins, emphasised data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address transnational criminal groups exploiting seams and boundaries.