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CGC Adeniyi revives decade-old US partnership for enhanced border security (Pictures)

July 21, 2024

CGC Adeniyi revives decade-old US partnership for enhanced border security (Pictures)

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi took a significant step towards strengthening global partnerships on Thursday, July 18, 2024. In Washington, D.C., Adeniyi participated in a pivotal bilateral meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to revive the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA).

This initiative aims to enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making, improving national security and combating cross-border crimes more effectively.

Adeniyi emphasized the proactive measures taken by Customs officials in addressing cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering, while ensuring national security. He highlighted the successful interception of illegal items at major ports and airports in Nigeria.

“Reviving the CMAA will bolster the Nigeria Customs Service’s capacity to protect the nation’s borders and enhance service delivery, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians,” he stated.

He also underscored the need for increased capacity building 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.

Adeniyi highlighted the importance of establishing a Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks. He pointed out the success in prosecuting wildlife criminals and discussed the need for such a center to enhance cargo and passenger security.

Additionally, he advocated for an advanced command and control center to address security concerns. “A dedicated targeting data fusion center will significantly improve our ability to manage risks and enhance security measures,” he explained.

The meeting also addressed challenges in commercial air cargo security and explored potential partnerships with U.S. government agencies. Adeniyi emphasized the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger security.

“By customizing our approaches and collaborating globally, we can address the complexities of air cargo security more effectively,” he remarked.

James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, responded by stressing the importance of data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to combat transnational criminal groups.

“Integration of data and international cooperation is crucial in countering transnational threats,” Collins noted. He emphasized 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 added.

Key action 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 transnational 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. Madhugri highlighted the future role of technology in enhancing customs operations and security. “Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in our strategy to modernise and secure our borders,” he said.

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 his appreciation for their warm reception and tireless efforts for Nigerians in the diaspora.

See pictures below: