By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to harnessing technological advancements to fortify the country’s borders and facilitate trade.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this declaration on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, when he received a delegation from the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) led by Major General Emmanuel Ndagi.
Adeniyi expressed the NCS’ readiness to partner with the DRDB to sustain its commitment to technological development, stating, “I see a lot of possibilities that will continue to evolve between the Nigeria Customs Service and DRDB in the area of technology because we live in the age of technology now.”
He reiterated the need for constant technological development, saying, “Any organisation that ignores research and developments might be digging its own grave.”
The NCS has already set up structures devoted to special intelligence and geospatial intelligence to combat border crimes.
Speaking, Adeniyi noted the importance of research and development, citing the Command and Staff College, where students engage in periodic research and operations.
Major General Ndagi, Director-General of DRDB, sought partnership with the NCS to address border security concerns, stating, “Addressing these challenges with compassion and jointly developing technologies that address border security concerns will help us to fortify our border areas.”
He also expressed optimism about the potential collaboration, saying, “I want to seek the cooperation of the Comptroller-General of Customs to join hands with DRDB in partnership.”