10 years after :  CGC Adeniyi reactivates customs mutual assistance agreement with U S

10 years after :  CGC Adeniyi reactivates customs mutual assistance agreement with U S
…Strengthens global partnership for better service delivery

10 years after, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has reactivated Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with U.S.

It happened on Thursday, July 18, 2024, when CGC Adeniyi 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 over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement, in order to enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making to improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes.

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

The Customs Boss highlighted successful interception of illegal items, such as drugs and weapons at major ports and airports in Nigeria.

He said emphatically,
“Reviving CMAA will bolster the capacity of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to protect the nation’s borders and enhance service delivery. It will pave the way for a more prosperous future for all Nigerians”.

The CGC also stressed the need for more capacity building programmes 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.

He underscored the importance of a Centre 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.

More so, the CGC 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 informed.

The meeting also covered the challenges of commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with U.S. government agencies. Adeniyi pointed out 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, Office of International Affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, emphasised data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address trans-national criminal groups exploiting seams and boundaries. “Integration of data and international cooperation are 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 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 trans-national 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 U. S. where he was received by Mr. Rabiu Lawal. The CGC appreciated them for their warm reception and their tireless efforts for all the Nigerians in the diaspora.