Magnificent Lawyer

 Shallow Men Believe in Luck; Wise and Strong Men in Cause and Effect

The Nigeria Customs Service.

In the challenging situation of national security, the role of customs officers is pivotal. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the leadership of Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi, stands as a bulwark against threats that could destabilize the nation. The importance of their work cannot be overstated, as it directly influences the effectiveness of other security agencies in Nigeria. Without the diligent efforts of customs officers, the security agencies would face increased challenges and criticisms, often undeservedly. As I highlighted in my previous article, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu made a prudent decision in appointing the right man for this critical job. The Nigeria Customs Service is performing commendably in safeguarding the nation.

Imagine the nightmare and the challenges the Nigerian security agencies would have faced if the Nigerian customs officers hadn't done their job appropriately. It would have added another layer of accusations against the security agencies for not performing their duties, without acknowledging that some unpatriotic individuals were sabotaging their efforts. The interception of dangerous shipments by customs officers not only prevents potential tragedies but also upholds the integrity of the entire security apparatus of the country.

The Nigeria Customs Service has proven its capability and professionalism in performing its duties without compromise. Other agencies should emulate the high standards set by the NCS. The top priority of Nigerian customs is to prevent terrorists and their weapons from entering the country while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce. Customs officers enforce and apply all applicable laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including those against illegal immigration, smuggling of deadly drugs, and the importation of prohibited goods.

Nigerian customs officers are highly trained law enforcement personnel who apprehend illegal immigrants and seize illegally imported goods. Daily, the officers of the Nigeria Customs Service arrest suspects in violation of Nigerian laws. The dedication and effectiveness of these officers are evident in their recent accomplishments.

One of the significant initiatives of the NCS is the Trade Modernisation Project, spearheaded by Mr. Ahmed Ogunshola. This project aims to bring the Nigeria Customs Service into the modern era, enhancing the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain and simplifying duty payments for exports and imports. According to Ogunshola, the project is built with the highest level of security, incorporating ISO 27001 information security standards, which is the highest globally. This standard ensures that the software used in the project is foolproof against cyberattacks, with seven layers of security and collaboration with leading cybersecurity firms.

The project, signed on May 27, 2023, is a 20-year concession agreement between the Federal Government and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd. It aims to automate the business processes of the NCS, making it more efficient and secure. Ogunshola expressed confidence in the cybersecurity framework and other security measures implemented to protect the software and hardware involved in the project. The Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) is an interactive platform designed to monitor trade operations and prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

The Nigeria Customs Service's dedication to modernizing its operations and maintaining high-security standards is commendable. As Ogunshola mentioned, "We are operating seven layers of security in terms of building the software to be deployed. We are working with one of the leading cybersecurity firms in the world to ensure the safety of the software." This proactive approach ensures that the NCS remains a step ahead of potential threats, both physical and digital.

A recent testament to the NCS's vigilance is the interception of arms and ammunition worth N18.23bn, a drastic measure to curb the smuggling of illicit items into Nigeria. The seized items included 848 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition, intercepted at the Onne Port in Rivers State. Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi highlighted the significance of this operation during a news briefing at the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne. The illegal arms were concealed in a 40-foot container 'MAEU165396', along with drugs found in nine other containers.

The display of the seized items included nine containers: one with arms and ammunition valued at N4.17bn, six with drugs valued at N13.92bn, and two with used clothes valued at N144m. Three suspects connected to the arms importation were arrested. Adeniyi stated, “Today, we gather to inform you about the recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation’s borders and ensure public safety."

This operation underscores the effectiveness of the NCS's risk management system and its collaboration with local, national, and international intelligence communities. The arms were intercepted through credible intelligence, monitoring the shipments from their point of departure. The container in question, originating from Turkey, was closely monitored due to several risk factors. On June 21, 2024, a thorough physical examination of the suspicious container revealed the alarming contents: 844 units of rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition, concealed using various items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. The duty-paid value of the container was N4.17bn.

Further investigations led to the interception of another eight 40-foot containers in transit to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port. These containers contained 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml), 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg), and 720 bales of used clothes, with a total duty-paid value of N13.92bn. The intercepted items highlight the NCS's commitment to preventing the smuggling of illicit goods and maintaining the country's security.

In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized items will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for investigation and prosecution. The arrested suspects will also be processed further. This collaborative effort with other government agencies ensures that all individuals involved in these illegal activities are brought to justice.

The dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service to maintaining safety and security applies to all levels of society, from individuals to the state and international affairs. Safety, in its widest sense, concerns the happiness, contentment, and freedom of mankind. The Nigeria Customs Service's efforts in securing the nation’s borders and preventing illegal activities are beyond measure as their commitment to protecting the country and its people.

The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi, is performing an outstanding job in safeguarding Nigeria. Their vigilance and professionalism in intercepting illegal shipments and modernizing their operations set a high standard for other agencies to follow. The NCS's role in national security is indispensable, and their efforts ensure that Nigeria remains safe and secure from various threats. The commendable work of the Nigeria Customs Service is a reflection of the wise choice made by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in appointing the right man for the job. Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.