Customs, NDLEA Deepen Collaboration to Tackle Drug Trafficking
Customs, NDLEA Deepen Collaboration to Tackle Drug Trafficking
Customs, NDLEA Deepen Collaboration to Tackle Drug Trafficking
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intensified efforts to strengthen their frontline partnership against narcotics trafficking and organised crime.
This followed a high-level strategic meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, held on April 2026, at the NDLEA Headquarters in Jahi, Abuja.
The meeting focused on improving coordination between both agencies, enhancing accountability in handling seized narcotics, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
Speaking during the engagement, Adeniyi emphasised that Nigeria’s credibility in global anti-narcotics efforts depends on effective domestic collaboration among enforcement agencies.
“I came here directly from international engagements in Europe and Asia, and at every table narcotics trafficking remained a major issue. The West African corridor is under serious watch,” he said.
The Customs boss noted that while the Service has recorded significant seizures and handovers of illicit drugs, particularly through key commands, there is a need to strengthen post-seizure processes.
“Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last. Where narcotics are transferred but not promptly destroyed, or where prosecution advances without feedback, the chain of enforcement is incomplete,” Adeniyi stated.
He proposed a renewed framework to include joint destruction of seized drugs, periodic case updates, coordinated court processes, and improved communication channels between both agencies.
Responding, NDLEA Chairman Marwa described the concerns as valid, assuring that the agency remains committed to transparency and accountability.
He noted that there is a need to move beyond routine handovers to a structured reporting system that ensures proper tracking of investigations, prosecutions, and disposal of seized substances.
Marwa also proposed the establishment of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies and recommend clearer operational guidelines.
“Today’s meeting is timely. It gives us the opportunity to address concerns and further strengthen our collaboration,” he said.
The renewed partnership is expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat drug trafficking networks and reinforce its standing in international anti-narcotics efforts.
Customs, NDLEA Deepen Collaboration to Tackle Drug Trafficking
