Lagos: Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a bid to block illicit substances from entering Nigeria.
Adigun, whose mandate covers both enforcement and trade facilitation, made the commitment during his visit to the Kirikiri terminal, underscoring the importance of joint operations between Customs and NDLEA to tackle drug trafficking and safeguard national security.
Adigun, the acting Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command (KLT) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), announced this in a statement released by Public Relations Officer Victor Ogagbor on Thursday in Lagos. The NCS is tasked with border protection and revenue collection at ports, including the KLT.
He commended the newly appointed Commander of the NDLEA, Tincan Strategic Command, Commander Solomon Omotosho, whose agency is responsible for intercepting illegal drugs, for extending partnership to the command.
According to Adigun, the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the agencies. He called the engagement timely and emphasised that the port environment serves as a critical frontline in preventing the movement of illicit drugs.
Adigun reaffirmed the command’s commitment to robust enforcement and to facilitating legitimate trade smoothly. He explained that sharing intelligence, profiling cargo, and conducting joint examinations are key strategies for enhancing operational effectiveness and stopping drug trafficking syndicates. enhancing operational effectiveness and curbing the activities of drug trafficking syndicates.
In his remarks, Omotosho said the visit was necessary to establish a strong working relationship. He emphasised the importance of seamless communication, proactive intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to deliver measurable results.
He highlighted the importance of seamless communication, proactive intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to achieve measurable results.
Omotosho added that the NDLEA, the agency charged with preventing and controlling illicit drug activities, remained committed to working closely with the agency during the visit, and both agencies exchanged plaques to symbolise goodwill and their shared commitment to sustained cooperation.
The engagement concluded with both agencies reaffirming their resolve to collaborate and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime borders.
PIX: Newly appointed NDLEA Tincan Commander, Solomon Omotosho, visits Kirikiri Terminal, meets Acting Customs Controller Bolaji Adigun.
