The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has moved to reduce customs checkpoints across the country to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and persons.
The Service also announced the dissolution of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) after due consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
As a result of this, customs operations will rely more on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management frameworks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Also, the Service is deploying geospatial tools and advanced technologies to ensure the effectiveness of NCS enforcement strategies.
Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has given approval to reduction of Customs check points on Nigerian roads.
Announcing this on Tuesday, NCS said, “The reduction of customs checkpoints across the country is to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and persons.
“Moving forward, customs operations will rely more on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management frameworks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
“Also, the Service is deploying geospatial tools and advanced technologies to ensure the effectiveness of NCS enforcement strategies.
“This development underscores the Service’s commitment to leveraging innovative, intelligence-driven approaches for effective border enforcement and anti-smuggling operations”.
The NCS explained that the action is part of efforts to strengthen border management, and reinvigorate its enforcement strategy ahead 2025 .
This strategy, it added aims at removing bottlenecks associated with trade, strengthening border security, combating smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade.
Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, National Public Relations Officer said in a statement that drawing from the above strategies, the Service also announced the dissolution of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) after due consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
He explained that “This operation, which commenced in 2019 with a code name “Ex-Swift Response” and later evolved into JBPT, was initially designed to enforce the partial border closure policy.
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Since its inception, the JBPT has played a pivotal role in curbing the influx of dangerous goods and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s trade and security regulations.
He added that “The NCS acknowledges and deeply appreciates the cooperation and dedication of other government agencies that partnered in this endeavour.
“Their invaluable contributions have been instrumental in safeguarding Nigeria’s land borders”.
The Service assured the general public and stakeholders that these measures will not compromise border security or trade facilitation rather, they represent a significant step towards modernising customs operations, improving trade compliance, and strengthening national security.
While soliciting the support of all stakeholders in the good fight against economic saboteurs, the CGC reassured his commitment and that of his officers and men to secure the nation’s borders effectively, facilitate legitimate trade, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
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