By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have taken steps to deepen their collaboration in the fight against narcotics trafficking and organised crime, following a high-level meeting between their leadership.
The meeting, held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the NDLEA Headquarters in Jahi, Abuja, brought together the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa.
Discussions focused on strengthening existing cooperation, improving accountability in seized narcotics cases, and establishing a more coordinated enforcement framework between the two agencies.
Adeniyi, who led members of his management team to the meeting, emphasized that combating drug trafficking now extends beyond domestic enforcement. He noted that Nigeria’s credibility on the global stage depends largely on how effectively its institutions collaborate.
He revealed that during his recent international engagements across Europe and Asia, narcotics trafficking remained a key concern, with the West African corridor under intense scrutiny.
According to him, agreements signed with international partners would only be meaningful if supported by effective operations at home, particularly in the areas of interception, prosecution, and destruction of seized drugs.
The Customs boss highlighted ongoing seizures and handovers to NDLEA, especially through the Apapa Command and other formations. However, he stressed that interdiction alone is insufficient, calling for improved post-seizure accountability, regular updates on prosecutions, and transparent destruction processes.
He proposed a new framework that would include joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not apprehended, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances, and stronger liaison channels at the command level.
Adeniyi maintained that the aim was not to assign blame but to advance a partnership that has been instrumental in Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts.
In response, Marwa described the concerns raised as valid and timely, reaffirming NDLEA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professional cooperation.
He agreed on the need to move beyond routine handovers to a more structured system that ensures formal updates on investigations, prosecutions, and the disposal of seized drugs linked to Customs operations.
Marwa also proposed the immediate establishment of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies. The committee, he said, would recommend clearer procedures and, where necessary, draft a supplementary agreement for approval by both leaderships.
He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for both agencies to openly address concerns and reinforce their collaboration in tackling drug-related crimes.
