The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has again reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and National security following a courtesy visit by senior officers of the Nigerian Navy’s Western Naval Command to the Zonal Coordinator,Zone ‘A’ , Lagos. The visit was aimed at deepening cooperation in the fight against maritime crime, smuggling, and other threats to national security.
According to a press statement issued by
Chief Superintendent of Customs,
AKANINYENE EDEMINAM , Customs Zonal Public Relations Officer, Zone ‘A’, Lagos, the Nigerian Navy delegation was led by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha and was received by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A,’ ACG Mohammed Babandede. The visit which took place on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 is part of the ongoing efforts to reinforce the existing partnership between both agencies.
Speaking during the visit, Rear Admiral Mustapha thanked ACG Babandede for welcoming the delegation. He explained that the visit is intended to formally introduce himself and explore areas of strengthening the existing partnership and long-term relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Mustapha described the Nigeria Customs Service as a critical national asset in revenue generation and trade facilitation, commending its adoption of innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence to make operations more seamless and efficient. “The Customs is partnering with the government to upgrade some of the best ports. With innovation and technology, certain problems will be a thing of the past,” he said.
He also identified enforcement as a major point of intersection between Customs and the Navy, noting that both agencies will work to intercept criminality and safeguard the nation’s borders. He highlighted the Customs’ role in curbing illicit drug trafficking as central to national security, and stressed the Navy’s use of intelligence and technology-driven enforcement at sea as vital to stemming the tide.
In his response, ACG Babandede thanked Rear Admiral Mustapha for the courtesy visit. He stated that the Customs’ mandate extends beyond revenue collection to include the implementation of trade policies and agreements, and safeguarding national security through monitoring of the movement of harmful substances and equipment. “The government doesn’t just collect money. It is also interested in protecting local industries and creating jobs” he said.
ACG Babandede described the military as the pride of Nigeria and commended the Navy for its efforts, expressing eagerness to deepen the existing relationship. He noted that collaboration with other security agencies remains one of the key policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, particularly in the light of reports on the proliferation of Indian hemp, codeine, cocaine, and other illicit substances across West Africa. He noted that such collaboration is essential to strengthening institutional effectiveness.