The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened international cooperation with the Netherlands Customs as part of efforts to enhance border control mechanisms and combat illicit trade across key entry points.

The collaboration was highlighted during a two-day joint working visit by a Netherlands Customs delegation to Nigeria.

Speaking during the engagement, the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, described the partnership as a timely response to the evolving nature of global commerce and transnational crime.

“This engagement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening control mechanisms against the flow of illicit goods across our borders, and we know that as global trade is evolving, we also need to change our own approaches to safeguarding the security supply chains, to be able to meet standards,” she stated.

As part of the programme, the delegation inspected import and export operations at the airport before proceeding to Apapa Area Command, where they observed enforcement procedures at the APM Terminals.

During a roundtable at Apapa, the DCG Tariff and Trade reiterated Nigeria’s strategic position in global trade and the need for intelligence-driven enforcement strategies to combat transnational organised crime while facilitating legitimate trade.

Also speaking, the Head of International Affairs at Netherlands Customs, Karin Borsboom, said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the administrations in trade facilitation and the fight against drug-related organised crime.

“As customs organisations, we have the same challenges, and overall, the roles and tasks are the same. So it’s very good to cooperate to see how we can strengthen and learn from each other so both organisations can do better”, she said.

While moderating the discussion, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, highlighted recent intelligence-led operations that resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs, controlled pharmaceuticals, and other prohibited items. He noted that the NCS is working in synergy with other government agencies to curb the influx of illicit goods into the country.