Nigeria Customs Service Reinvigorates 2025 Enforcement Strategy, Announces Dissolution of Joint Border Patrol Team
On the heels of the recent landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal in Kaduna declaring that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has no authority to patrol highways and seize goods from individuals, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled its 2025 Enforcement Strategy.
The comprehensive plan for enhanced border management specifically aims to eliminate trade bottlenecks, bolster border security, combat smuggling, and facilitate legitimate trade.
To this end, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has approved a reduction in customs checkpoints nationwide. This decision is intended to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and people.
“Moving forward, customs operations will rely more on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management frameworks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness,” said Adeniyi.
The NCS said it is also deploying geospatial tools and advanced technologies to ensure the success of its enforcement strategies.
This significant development underscores the Service’s commitment to leveraging innovative, intelligence-driven approaches for effective border enforcement and anti-smuggling operations.
In line with these strategies, the NCS has announced the dissolution of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) after consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The JBPT, which began in 2019 under the code name “Ex Swift Response,” was initially designed to enforce the partial border closure policy.
Since its inception, the JBPT has played a crucial role in curbing the influx of dangerous goods and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s trade and security regulations.
“The NCS acknowledges and deeply appreciates the cooperation and dedication of other government agencies that partnered in this endeavour. Their invaluable contributions have been instrumental in safeguarding Nigeria’s land borders,” the CGC stated.
The NCS assured the public and stakeholders that these measures will not compromise border security or trade facilitation.
Instead, they represent a significant step towards modernizing customs operations, improving trade compliance, and strengthening national security.
“While soliciting the support of all stakeholders in the fight against economic saboteurs, I reassure my commitment and that of my officers and men to secure the nation’s borders effectively, facilitate legitimate trade, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians,” Adeniyi affirmed.
The announcement was signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer of the Service, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
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