- The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service, revealed plans to roll out innovative technologies at the nation’s borders, focusing on improving trade flow and security
- Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi emphasised that the initiative will enable faster passage for goods and passengers, improve trade efficiency, facilitate security and economic data
- Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, Mosunmola Onilade, called for immediate interagency collaboration to address crime and irregular migration
In a joint effort to boost cross-border trade and improve security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) are set to implement advanced technology in border towns.
Mr Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), discussed how border security is quickly transforming and its growing importance in addressing issues related to trans-border trade, migration, and crime at the West Africa Border Security Week that recently concluded in Lagos on Tuesday, September 3.
Smart border initiative to boost trade and security
He said, “Part of the expectations of our smart border initiative when fully operational will be quick passage of passenger and goods, seamless movements from country to country for trade promotion to achieve timely delivery of raw materials and finished goods and tech-backed profiling of travellers for economic data and security reasons.
“Consequently, enhancing border security across in West Africa using Smart Border Technologies is a pivotal step towards improving regional security, facilitating legitimate trade, and combating transnational threats. Smart Border Control Mechanisms can make a positive impact in advanced surveillance, biometric identification, cyber security, artificial intelligence and automated border control systems.
Adeniyi urges regional, international cooperation for effective implementation
The Comptroller General explained that the Nigeria Customs Service, as the principal agency overseeing border management at seaports, airports, and land borders, is advancing its operations through e-customs.
“However, implementing Smart Border Technologies in West Africa requires a collaborative effort from government, international organisations, and stakeholders to address the unique challenges and needs of the region”.
Adeniyi noted that this modernisation approach integrates global best practices with human and technological interfaces to optimise border management.
Onilade calls for immediate collaboration to address crime and irregular migration
Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, Mosunmola Onilade, said proper interagency coordination is essential to prevent duplicative efforts and mitigate unnecessary competition.
“We cannot allow rivalry between stakeholders to affect our work, which would jeopardise our national security,” Onilade stated.
She further emphasised that the unified interagency approach to tackling crime and irregular migration must be prioritised without delay.
FRSC unveils new digital tools to enhance road safety, others
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had introduced its new Mobile Application and the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) to check drivers' licenses, number plates, speed detectors, and more.
The app was designed to deliver services including black spot notifications, eyewitness reports, driving school standardisation checks, and others.