Prime Business Africa
By Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s customs authorities say they are strengthening intelligence-led operations in a move they say could curb smuggling, improve border security and protect government revenue.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, told officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit in Abuja that no modern customs or security operation could succeed without timely and credible intelligence.
He spoke at the opening of a training programme at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, where officers are being prepared for intelligence-based field operations.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelCustoms officials say intelligence-led checks allow officers to target high-risk cargo and routes, rather than rely on routine inspections. The approach is aimed at reducing the flow of smuggled goods, including food items, fuel and arms, which officials say have affected prices, local production and security in Nigeria.
Mr Adeniyi said recent security operations within and outside Nigeria had shown that intelligence was key to intercepting illegal arms and organised smuggling networks.
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The Nigeria Customs Service is one of the country’s biggest sources of non-oil revenue. Authorities say improved intelligence could help block revenue leakages at ports and border posts, at a time when the government is under pressure to raise funds without increasing taxes.
The Commandant of the Customs Command and Staff College, Dow Gaura, said intelligence had become central to risk management and revenue protection, allowing legitimate trade to move faster while focusing enforcement on offenders.
Senior customs officials attending the programme include the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijjani Abe, and the Deputy Comptroller-General overseeing Training and Doctrine Command, Sulaiman Chiroma.
