The Nigeria Customs Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have strengthened their partnership to combat human trafficking and illegal trade in endangered species.
The partnership was renewed when the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, hosted a delegation from NAPTIP at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Speaking during their engagement, CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude for the visit and commended the delegation for their continued service to the country.
He assured them of Customs’ unwavering support, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action.
Adeniyi stressed that the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications. “We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together.”
He revealed that the Service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assuring the delegation that Customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.
The Customs boss pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.
“We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally. We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security,” he added.
On her part, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the NCS
Adamu affirmed that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.
“I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute, and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work,” she stated.
The DG explained that human trafficking continues to evolve, thereby requiring closer coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s various entry and exit points.
Speaking earlier, former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, Lami Tumaka, noted that the visit sought Customs’ collaboration for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.
Tumaka described Customs as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement”, adding that its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.
“Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable,” she remarked.
