Customs Area Controller Anani, CP Agbaminoja reaffirm joint efforts on port security

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, has intensified efforts to strengthen security coordination and operational synergy among agencies operating within the nation’s maritime sector, as part of a broader strategy to enhance port security and facilitate legitimate trade.

In continuation of stakeholder engagements since assuming office, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, at the Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

The visit underscored the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing evolving security challenges within the port environment and ensuring the efficient movement of cargo through Nigeria’s seaports.

Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Anani commended the Ports Authority Police Command for its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order within the port corridor, describing security as a critical pillar for trade facilitation and economic growth.

He noted that the increasingly complex nature of maritime operations requires closer cooperation among Customs, the Police, and other security agencies to combat criminal activities, strengthen intelligence gathering, and ensure seamless port operations.

According to him, stronger collaboration among agencies remains essential to protecting national economic interests, preventing security breaches, and sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s port system.

The Tin Can Customs boss also emphasized the need for continuous information sharing, coordinated operations, and mutual support among government agencies responsible for securing the maritime domain.

Responding, Commissioner of Police Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja welcomed the Customs Area Controller and congratulated him on his appointment, expressing confidence in the existing relationship between both agencies.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command to working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders in strengthening security across the nation’s seaports.

The Police Commissioner stressed that intelligence-led policing, joint security operations, and regular inter-agency engagements remain crucial to tackling emerging threats such as smuggling, cargo theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities capable of disrupting port operations.

She further noted that a secure port environment is vital for attracting investment, improving trade competitiveness, and supporting Nigeria’s economic aspirations under the Federal Government’s maritime and blue economy agenda.

Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation between their respective agencies through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint security initiatives, and coordinated responses to emerging threats within the port ecosystem.

Industry stakeholders have repeatedly identified collaboration among Customs, the Police, and other security agencies as a key factor in improving cargo clearance efficiency, reducing operational bottlenecks, and strengthening the overall security architecture of Nigeria’s ports.

The meeting is expected to further consolidate existing partnerships aimed at promoting a secure, efficient, and globally competitive maritime sector while supporting the ease of doing business at the nation’s seaports.