- By Monsurat Aina, Abeokuta
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasized the need for intensified collaboration among key agencies in the fight against drug trafficking and other smuggling activities across the country.
Speaking during an official monitoring visit to the Ogun Area Command II in Abeokuta on Wednesday, CG Adeniyi stated that a unified approach remains critical to effectively curb the proliferation of illicit drugs and other contraband goods.
The Customs boss revealed that the NCS has in recent months intensified its partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), resulting in the seizure and subsequent destruction of over 200 containers of illicit substances under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“My cardinal trust program anchors on collaboration because I’ve always believed that we can get more done together. The ongoing clampdown on drug trafficking is a clear example of what strategic synergy can achieve,” CG Adeniyi remarked.
He further explained that since the Customs declared a state of emergency on illicit drug imports at Nigerian airports, joint operations with NDLEA and NAFDAC have yielded significant results.
“We receive regular intelligence briefings and conduct coordinated enforcement actions, and the outcome so far has been commendable,” he added.
Highlighting the role of local intelligence, Adeniyi said Customs Commands situated in border communities have been encouraged to build strong ties with residents to gather accurate intelligence for operational success.
In his words:
“Border community members know their terrains well and possess superior intelligence. We are leveraging their knowledge to boost our surveillance and enforcement efforts.”
CG Adeniyi also lauded the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun for leveraging Ogun State’s strategic position as Nigeria’s industrial gateway.
“Ogun is not just a border state, it is a critical economic hub with proximity to Lagos and strong industrial presence. The efforts of Governor Abiodun in repositioning the state through strategic infrastructural development are commendable,” he stated.
Meanwhile, in his welcome address, the Area Controller of Ogun II Command, A. Olabisi Alade, appreciated the CG for his consistent support toward advancing the service.
He disclosed that the command generated ₦15.19 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 40% increase compared to the ₦9.16 billion recorded in the same period of 2024.
Alade affirmed the command’s commitment to upholding the service’s core values of discipline, integrity and service to the nation.
