Nigerian Customs leverages high-tech to strengthen land, maritime borders

…Engages National Security Adviser on Strategic Collaboration

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Customs Service(NCS) has expressed its readiness to deploy modern, advanced machines and methods -high-technology to strengthen Nigeria’s land and maritime borders.

The Comptroller-General of Customs(CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made the disclosure last Thursday March 6, 2025 when he paid a courtesy visit to the National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

A Nigerian land border post

The customs boss highlighted NCS’s efforts in deploying Geospatial technology to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement across Nigeria’s land and maritime borders.

The crucial role technology plays in modern border management he said cannot be undermined noting that the Service has made significant progress in integrating cutting-edge solutions to combat smuggling, trafficking, and other transborder crimes.

“Technology remains the key to effective border management in today’s rapidly evolving security landscape. The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to deploying Geospatial technology and other innovative tools to enhance our surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement capabilities. These efforts are designed to align with international best practices while addressing Nigeria’s unique border security challenges,” CGC Adeniyi stated.

The CGC further explained that the technology-driven initiatives would not only strengthen the nation’s ability to curb illicit trade but also facilitate seamless, legitimate cross-border transactions.

In response, the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive approach to border security and trade facilitation, affirming that technology is indispensable in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“The Customs Service has demonstrated a commendable commitment to modernisation and efficiency in securing our borders. Integrating advanced technology into border management is a step in the right direction and aligns perfectly with our broader national security objectives. We are confident that these innovations will enhance border control operations while ensuring that legitimate trade is not hindered,” the NSA remarked.

While the meeting reiterated the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling security threats and ensuring national stability, the NSA assured the CGC of continued support for the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation agenda, emphasising the need for synergy in intelligence sharing and operational coordination.