The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to deepen collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in the fight against human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.
Adeniyi made this known on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when he received a delegation from NAPTIP on a courtesy visit at the Customs Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the CGC lauded NAPTIP’s consistent efforts in safeguarding human dignity and national interests. He emphasized that the Customs Service views transnational crimes not only through the lens of smuggling but as a broader national security challenge requiring collective action.
“We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together,” the CGC said.
Adeniyi noted that the Service has intensified efforts on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions protecting flora and fauna. He assured NAPTIP of full collaboration in the forthcoming National Dialogue on Human Trafficking and Stowaway Incidents, scheduled for February 2026.
“We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally,” he stated. “We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security.”
According to the Customs boss, the Service will provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to its training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.
On her part, Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight over the renewed engagement with the Customs Service, noting that effective inter-agency cooperation remains key to combating trafficking and border-related crimes.
“I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General,” she said. “We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute, and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work.”
She further emphasized that human trafficking continues to evolve, necessitating stronger coordination among agencies working across Nigeria’s numerous entry and exit points.
Speaking earlier, former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, Lami Tumaka, highlighted the purpose of the visit as a step towards strengthening cooperation for the planned national policy dialogue on trafficking and maritime stowaway cases.
“Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons,” Tumaka noted. “Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable.”
The meeting, described as both strategic and forward-looking, underscores the growing inter-agency synergy towards securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation.
Customs, NAPTIP Seal Alliance to Battle Human Trafficking, Endangered Species Smuggling
