The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, declared its intentions to strengthen its partnership with the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) and intensify the formidable security presence at borderlines across the federation.
This was made known by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at his office when he received the delegation of the Bureau, led by the Director-General of DRDB, Major General Emmanuel Ndagi, who was at the Service’s Headquarters to seek the CGC’s partnership on delicate matters relating to national security.
Continuing his speech, CGC Adeniyi expressed the readiness of the NCS to partner with the Bureau to sustain the Service’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements in its operations, which, according to him, will result in achieving economic growth.
However, the Comptroller-General of Customs said, “I see a lot of possibilities that will continue to evolve between the Nigeria Customs Service and DRDB in the area of technology because we live in the age of technology now.”
He added, “We believe that any organisation that ignores research and developments might be digging its own grave because, for us, the Nigeria Customs Service, the rapid change and dynamic nature of our environment presupposes the need for us to engage in technological development programmes constantly.”
“One of the immediate things suggested for us was using geospatial intelligence to combat the scourge of border crimes. We have also set up a structure devoted to our special intelligence. Beyond that, we have a Command and Staff College, where we engage our students in periodic research and operations.”
While speaking, the Director-General DRDB, Major General Emmanuel Ndagi, said their visit to the Customs House was to acquaint the CGC with the Bureau’s activities and to seek partnership with the Service as an essential security structure in the country.
The DG, who identified some key areas on which the DRDB wishes to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service, also expressed optimism that their alliance will enable them to coordinate significant operations at border areas across the federation.
The DG further stated, “Addressing these challenges with compassion and jointly developing technologies that address border security concerns will help us to fortify our border areas, and that is one key aspect that I want to seek the cooperation of the Comptroller-General of Customs to join hands with DRDB in partnership.”
