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The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships.
Adeniyi said this during a bilateral meeting with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington, DC, in a recent meeting. The focus of the meeting was to reactivate the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA), which has been defunct for more than a decade, which aims to strengthen national security through increased collaboration and data-driven strategies to combat cross-border crime.
Adeniyi underscored the critical role of Customs officers in addressing common transnational challenges such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling and money laundering while safeguarding national interests. “We have successfully intercepted illegal drugs and arms at Nigeria’s major ports and airports,” Adeniyi said, emphasizing the urgent need to revive the CMAA. “This agreement will significantly enhance our capabilities in border protection and service delivery, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.”
Addressing specific challenges, Adeniyi highlighted ongoing efforts in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and the fight against drugs. “While our achievements are noteworthy, there is still a continued need for capacity building and stringent law enforcement,” he said.
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In advocating for advanced security measures, Adeniyi proposed the establishment of an Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis Center to effectively mitigate risks. He stressed the importance of an advanced command and control center to strengthen security operations, citing its crucial role in proactively managing risks.
The meeting also discussed strategies to enhance commercial air cargo security and foster partnerships with U.S. government agencies. Adeniyi praised CBP’s global targeting consulting capabilities, emphasizing the importance of a tailored approach and international cooperation in addressing the complexities of air cargo.
James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of International Affairs, echoed Adeniyi’s sentiments about the importance of data integration and collaborative efforts in combating transnational threats. “Data integration and international collaboration are critical to combating criminal groups that exploit border vulnerabilities,” Collins said. He emphasized the need for targeted capacity building and training to strengthen border security, advocating for secure intelligence channels and partnerships with global entities.
Key outcomes include plans to enhance intelligence sharing channels between Nigerian Customs and CBP, explore operational partnerships for coordinated cross-border responses, and leverage INTERPOL initiatives in combating transnational crime in West and Central Africa.
The meeting concluded with a presentation on Artificial Intelligence by Sunil Madhugri of CBP’s Office of Information and Technology, who underscored the transformative role of AI in modernizing border security operations.
In a related event, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi visited the Nigerian Embassy in the US, expressed gratitude for their support to Nigerians in the diaspora and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international relations for mutual benefit.
Customs CG, Adeniyi revive CMAA with US CBP to boost border security, Service delivery first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.
