By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies to address smuggling and its negative impact on Nigeria’s economy effectively.
Speaking on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, Adeniyi delivered a lecture to participants of Course 33, advocating for mutual understanding and partnership among security bodies to combat illegal trade and safeguard economic stability.
“No single agency can effectively combat the complexities of smuggling without the support and cooperation of others,” he stated.
“Collaborating with other security agencies is essential for effective anti-smuggling operations. It is only through synergy that we can reduce these illegal activities to the barest minimum and foster economic growth in Nigeria.”
The lecture, held at the NDC Auditorium, served as a platform for the Customs chief to outline strategies for tackling smuggling and its economic consequences.
The National Defence College, recognized as Nigeria’s top institution for military and strategic studies, hosts participants from diverse sectors, including the armed forces, paramilitary organizations, and the civil service.
Adeniyi’s presentation portrayed the benefits of a unified approach to protecting the nation’s economic interests and reiterated inter-agency cooperation as a critical factor in addressing Nigeria’s security issues.
Attendees, comprising senior officers, faculty members, and participants from across the country, described the lecture as a valuable insight into the interplay of security and economic protection.