Customs, NAPTIP Deepen Partnership on Human Trafficking and Wildlife Protection
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reiterated 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 species.
Adeniyi made the pledge on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when he received a delegation from NAPTIP on a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the Customs boss commended NAPTIP for its sustained efforts in safeguarding national interests and assured them of the Service’s full support.
He emphasized that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires strong inter-agency cooperation, noting that Customs views smuggling and related crimes within the broader context of national security.
“We believe in the power of collaboration. When we work together, we achieve more with less,” he stated.
Adeniyi highlighted Customs’ increased focus on environmental protection and compliance with global conventions on wildlife and plant preservation. He also confirmed the Service’s readiness to participate in the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents scheduled for February 2026.
He further pledged to provide technical support, intelligence sharing, and access to Customs’ training programs to enhance mutual understanding of trafficking trends.
“We accept your proposal for partnership wholeheartedly. We will collaborate with your team on the February summit and explore broader initiatives that strengthen national security,” he added.
In her remarks, NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu, expressed satisfaction with the formalization of the partnership, describing it as vital to achieving the agency’s mandate.
“I am delighted to have this engagement with the Comptroller-General. As a law enforcement agency focused on prevention, prosecution, and protection, collaboration with Customs is crucial to our mission,” she said.
Adamu stressed that the dynamics of human trafficking continue to evolve, underscoring the need for close coordination among agencies managing Nigeria’s borders and ports of entry.
Earlier, former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, Lami Tumaka, explained that the visit aimed to secure Customs’ participation in a forthcoming one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway cases.
Describing Customs as a “key player in border security and maritime enforcement,” she noted that the Service’s involvement would be instrumental to the event’s success.
“Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movements of goods and people. Your nationwide presence and expertise are invaluable,” she added.
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