The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, On Thursday, July 18, 2024, took a significant step in strengthening global partnerships by participating in a bilateral meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington, D.C.

The meeting focused on reviving the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) to enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making to improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes.

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Adeniyi emphasised that Customs officials have been actively addressing the challenges of cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering while ensuring national security.

He highlighted the successful interception of illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, at major ports and airports in Nigeria.“Reviving the CMAA will bolster the Nigeria Customs Service’s capacity to protect the nation’s borders and enhance service delivery, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians”, he added.

He also stressed the need for increased capacity building to tackle Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and opiate issues. “Our efforts at the ports and airports have yielded significant results, but there is still much to be done in capacity building and enforcement,” he said.

Adeniyi underscored the importance of a Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks. He pointed out the success of prosecuting wildlife criminals and discussed the need for such a centre to enhance cargo and passenger security.

Additionally, he advocates for an advanced command and control centre to address security concerns. “A dedicated targeting data fusion centre will significantly improve our ability to manage risks and enhance security measures,” Adeniyi explained.

The meeting also covered the challenges of commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with U.S. government agencies. Adeniyi highlighted the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger sides. “By customising our approaches and collaborating globally, we can address the complexities of air cargo security more effectively,” he remarked.

In his reaction, James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, emphasised data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address transnational criminal groups exploiting seams and boundaries. “Integration of data and international cooperation is crucial in countering transnational threats”.

James Collins also highlighted the importance of collaboration and information sharing in border security and intelligence gathering. He emphasised investing in capacity building, train-the-trainer programs, and targeted training to address gaps in border security.

Collins stressed the need for secure channels for sharing intelligence and building partnerships with international organisations to sustain efforts in combating illicit trade and traffic. “Continuous training and secure intelligence sharing are vital to our success in maintaining border security,” Collins noted.

Key action items identified include establishing specific channels for continued intelligence sharing between Nigeria Customs and CBP, exploring operational partnerships between Nigeria Customs units and networks like CBP to coordinate cross-border responses, leveraging INTERPOL programs and collaborating with other West and Central African countries on transnational crimes.

The meeting concluded with a presentation on Artificial Intelligence by Sunil Madhugri from the Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, highlighting the future of technology in enhancing customs operations and security. “Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in our strategy to modernise and secure our borders,” Madhugri said.

In a related event, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi visited the Nigerian Embassy in the USA, where he was received by Mr. Rabiu Lawal, Charge d’Affaires a.i, and his team. The CGC appreciated them for their warm reception and their tireless efforts for all the Nigerians in the diaspora.