In an effort to improve cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Navy (NN), Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi made a courtesy call to Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff.
During the visit on Tuesday, February 19, 2024, at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Abuja, the CGC reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening the partnership between the two agencies in order to implement efficient anti-smuggling tactics across Nigerian waters.
He stated, “It is important for us to participate in joint operations to combat smuggling activities. We also need to tap on the experience of the Nigerian Navy to enhance the capacity of personnel serving within the Customs Marine Units.”
In addition, Adeniyi announced the plan to transfer the two ocean-going vessels to the Nigerian Navy Dockyard for upkeep, and it also emphasised that the NCS had both ocean-going and creek-going vessels in its fleets
“It is necessary for us to prioritize intelligence-driven operations. This could be achieved through intelligence sharing between the two agencies,” He emphasized.
In response to the Comptroller General of Customs, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, conveyed his appreciation for the visit and emphasised the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to supporting the enforcement of Customs rules. He underlined the value of mutual cooperation and promised to provide the NCS with free access to Nigerian Navy training facilities.
Vice Admiral Ogalla also addressed the need for deeper collaboration with an outfit of the Nigerian Navy meant for clearing items imported by the agency to mitigate all incumbrances.
He also shared a five-year-old Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure (HSOP) for monitoring maritime crimes and advocated for review considering the prevailing situation.
A major step has been taken with this summit to improve maritime security and reduce smuggling along Nigeria’s coastal waters. The dedication to cooperation and support one another creates a positive example for future coordinated actions to protect the country’s territorial integrity.
