The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF are exploring closer operational cooperation to strengthen anti-smuggling efforts and improve security across Lagos and the South West.
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a visit by the Comptroller of the Customs Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, to the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The discussions focused on potential support for security operations through equipment, logistics and other operational resources to strengthen enforcement against smuggling and the movement of prohibited goods.
Ogunsan said cooperation between security institutions was essential to protecting residents, businesses and critical infrastructure, noting that effective security extended beyond conventional policing and military operations.
He stressed the importance of Customs enforcement in preventing prohibited goods from entering the country and stopping criminal elements from exploiting weaknesses in importation and distribution channels.
“There are a lot of things we could do together,” Ogunsan said, expressing the Fund’s willingness to explore practical areas of cooperation with the Customs Service.
He also highlighted the deterrent effect of visible enforcement operations, saying the presence of Customs officers could discourage illegal activities and encourage compliance with the law.
Afeni said the visit was intended to establish a working relationship between both institutions and strengthen their capacity to address security challenges.
He explained that FOU Zone A was responsible for anti-smuggling operations and enforcement across the South West, with its headquarters in Lagos.
“I believe we can synergise to ensure that Lagos is free and, by extension, the entire South West is free of crime,” he said.
Afeni also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and commitment to national priorities, particularly border security and the fight against smuggling.
Although both institutions expressed willingness to collaborate, details of specific support arrangements or an implementation timeline were not disclosed.