By Tanimu Hassan, Abuja
Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to combat human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered wildlife species.
Adeniyi made the pledge when NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, commending the agency for its efforts and assuring them of unwavering support.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s security landscape demands collective action and noted that Customs approaches crime through a national-security lens, not just smuggling.
“We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together,” he said.
Adeniyi explained that the Service has intensified work on environmental protection and the enforcement of international conventions on wildlife and natural resources.
He also pledged full collaboration on the national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents scheduled for February 2026, including intelligence sharing, technical support, and access to Customs training curriculum.
“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, NAPTIP DG Binta Adamu expressed satisfaction at formalising closer ties with Customs, stressing the agency’s interest in deeper intelligence exchange, policy harmonisation, 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 said.
She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring stronger coordination among agencies across Nigeria’s entry and exit corridors.