In a significant move to bolster global partnerships, Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi revitalized a longstanding Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Thursday, July 18, 2024. This initiative aims to improve service delivery in Nigeria through enhanced international collaboration and data-driven strategies to tackle national security challenges and cross-border crimes.
During the bilateral meeting, Adeniyi emphasized the active role of Customs officials in combating cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering. He noted the successful interception of illegal items at Nigeria’s major ports and airports, stressing that reviving the CMAA will significantly boost the Nigeria Customs Service’s ability to protect the nation’s borders and enhance overall service delivery.
“Our efforts at the ports and airports have yielded significant results, but there is still much to be done in capacity building and enforcement,” Adeniyi stated. He highlighted the necessity of establishing a Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to better manage risks and improve security measures, particularly in prosecuting wildlife criminals and addressing intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement and opiate issues.
Adeniyi also advocated for an advanced command and control center to address security concerns more effectively. “A dedicated targeting data fusion centre will significantly improve our ability to manage risks and enhance security measures,” he explained.
The discussions with CBP also tackled the challenges of commercial air cargo security and explored potential partnerships with U.S. government agencies. Adeniyi highlighted the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors, to enhance information sharing on cargo and passenger security.
James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at CBP, echoed the importance of data integration and international cooperation in countering transnational threats. “Integration of data and international cooperation is crucial in countering transnational threats,” Collins said. He emphasized the need for secure channels for sharing intelligence and building partnerships with international organizations to sustain efforts in combating illicit trade and trafficking.
Key action items identified during the meeting included establishing specific channels for continued intelligence sharing between Nigeria Customs and CBP, exploring operational partnerships to coordinate cross-border responses, and leveraging INTERPOL programs in collaboration with other West and Central African countries.
The meeting concluded with a presentation on Artificial Intelligence by Sunil Madhugri from the Office of Information and Technology at CBP, highlighting the future role of AI in enhancing customs operations and security. “Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in our strategy to modernize and secure our borders,” Madhugri noted.
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. Adeniyi expressed gratitude for their warm reception and their ongoing efforts for Nigerians in the diaspora.