The NCS and the NDLEA have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at strengthening coordination in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.
The decision followed a high-level meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, , and the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, , held at the NDLEA headquarters in .
The meeting focused on improving collaboration between both agencies, enhancing accountability in handling seized narcotics, and building a more coordinated enforcement framework.
Adeniyi said the fight against drug trafficking has become a global concern, stressing that Nigeria’s credibility with international partners depends on effective domestic cooperation.
He noted that intelligence shared with Nigeria must translate into concrete actions, including interception, prosecution, and destruction of illicit drugs, warning that gaps in enforcement could undermine the country’s global standing.
The Customs boss disclosed that the Service has recorded significant seizures, particularly through its Apapa Command and other operational units, but emphasized that enforcement must go beyond interdiction.
“Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last,” he said, calling for improved post-seizure accountability, regular updates on prosecutions, and transparent destruction processes.
Adeniyi proposed a strengthened framework that includes joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not apprehended, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances, and improved liaison at command level.
Responding, Marwa described the concerns raised by Customs as valid and timely, assuring that the NDLEA remains committed to transparency and professional cooperation.
He said both agencies must move beyond routine handovers to a structured system that ensures formal updates on investigations, prosecutions, and disposal of seized narcotics.
Marwa announced the immediate constitution of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies and recommend clearer operational procedures.
According to him, the committee will also consider drafting a supplementary agreement to further strengthen collaboration and ensure more effective enforcement outcomes.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in tackling narcotics trafficking and safeguarding national and international security.
Customs, NDLEA Set Up Joint Committee to Boost Anti-Drug OperationsThe Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at strengthening coordination in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.
The decision followed a high-level meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, held at the NDLEA headquarters in Jahi Abuja.
The meeting focused on improving collaboration between both agencies, enhancing accountability in handling seized narcotics, and building a more coordinated enforcement framework.
Adeniyi said the fight against drug trafficking has become a global concern, stressing that Nigeria’s credibility with international partners depends on effective domestic cooperation.
He noted that intelligence shared with Nigeria must translate into concrete actions, including interception, prosecution, and destruction of illicit drugs, warning that gaps in enforcement could undermine the country’s global standing.
The Customs boss disclosed that the Service has recorded significant seizures, particularly through its Apapa Command and other operational units, but emphasized that enforcement must go beyond interdiction.
“Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last,” he said, calling for improved post-seizure accountability, regular updates on prosecutions, and transparent destruction processes.
Adeniyi proposed a strengthened framework that includes joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not apprehended, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances, and improved liaison at command level.
Responding, Marwa described the concerns raised by Customs as valid and timely, assuring that the NDLEA remains committed to transparency and professional cooperation.
He said both agencies must move beyond routine handovers to a structured system that ensures formal updates on investigations, prosecutions, and disposal of seized narcotics.
Marwa announced the immediate constitution of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies and recommend clearer operational procedures.
According to him, the committee will also consider drafting a supplementary agreement to further strengthen collaboration and ensure more effective enforcement outcomes.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in tackling narcotics trafficking and safeguarding national and international security.
