Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, has revived the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

This followed a bilateral meeting with top officials of the CBP in Washington on Thursday,  last week, to strengthen Nigeria Customs Service’s global partnerships in its fresh anti-money laundry and smuggling move.

 The CMAA, a statement by Customs spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada (CSC), in Abuja,  this afternoon, indicated, would also enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making to improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes.

It quoted CG Adeniyi as emphasising, “Customs officials have been actively addressing the challenges of cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering while ensuring national security.” 

He highlighted the successful interception of illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, at major ports and airports in Nigeria.

“Reviving the CMAA will bolster the Nigeria Customs Service’s capacity to protect the nation’s borders and enhance service delivery, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians”, he added. 

The CG also stressed the need for increased capacity building to tackle Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and related issues.

 “Our efforts at the ports and airports have yielded significant results, but there is still much to be done in capacity building and enforcement,” he said.

Mr. Adeniyi underscored the importance of a  Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks, while pointed out the success of prosecuting wildlife criminals and that such a centre would enhance cargo and passenger security. 

Additionally, he advocated for an Advanced Command and Control Centre (ACCC) to address security concerns. 

“A dedicated targeting data fusion centre will significantly improve our ability to manage risks and enhance security measures,” Mr. Adeniyi explained.

The meeting also covered the challenges of commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with U.S. government agencies. 

The CG highlighted the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger sides.

 “By customising our approaches and collaborating globally, we can address the complexities of air cargo security more effectively,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr. James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at U.S CBP, emphasised data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address transnational criminal groups exploiting  boundaries.

 “Integration of data and international cooperation is crucial in countering transnational threats,” he said.

Mr. Collins also highlighted the importance of collaboration and information sharing in border security and intelligence gathering.

 He emphasised investing in capacity building, train-the-trainer programmes, and targeted training to address gaps in border security. 

The US official also stressed the need for secure channels for sharing intelligence and building partnerships with international organisations to sustain efforts in combating illicit trade and traffic.

 “Continuous training and secure intelligence sharing are vital to our success in maintaining border security,” Collins noted.

He identified key action items to include establishing specific channels for continued intelligence sharing between Nigeria Customs and CBP, exploring operational partnerships between Nigeria Customs units and networks like CBP to coordinate cross-border responses, leveraging INTERPOL programmes and collaborating with other West and Central African countries on transnational crimes.