Customs unveils bold initiative to tackle smuggling of nuclear materials

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Wednesday, revealed plans to embark on a radiological and nuclear detection program aimed at fortifying the nation’s security against the smuggling of nuclear materials.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said this in Abuja, during the inauguration of a 4-Day Capacity Building Workshop organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

CGC, who was represented by the service Assistant Comptroller General, Malanta Yusuf, highlighted the program’s significance, expressing optimism that it would provide participants with the technical expertise needed to detect and combat the illicit trafficking of radiological and nuclear materials.

He explained that the initiative is expected to enhance cross-border security, exposing participants to operational challenges while fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted roles involved in this innovative approach.

He commended the concerted efforts of the Customs leadership, emphasizing the commitment to innovation as a critical element in improving the Service’s overall performance.

He underscored the importance of training organized by the WCO, ensuring that Officers benefit from cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

He said: “We are trying to make sure that such training organized by the World Customs Organization benefits our Officers because clearly, the Comptroller-General has put too much effort into ensuring that innovation is one of the key elements.”

Also speaking, the Nigeria Customs Service Radiation Safety Officer, Nafi’u Abubakar, praised the CGC’s decisive approval of the Radiological and Nuclear Detection Program (RANDA).

Abubakar highlighted the initiative’s rarity on a global scale, positioning Nigeria as one of the first countries to domestically implement this groundbreaking project.

He emphasized that the program’s significance extends beyond its novelty, foreseeing substantial benefits for the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to him, “The training was truly remarkable, and its benefits will undoubtedly enhance the Nigeria Customs Service – and one of the pivotal roles it will play is that it will advance the Customs’ capabilities.”

However, the Director of Radiological Safety at the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Dr. Isa Sambo FSI, hailed the CGC’s timely training approval, recognizing its potential to eliminate border crimes and enhance the nation’s capability to tackle emerging threats effectively.

He affirmed that “The move is poised to position Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to secure borders against the illicit trafficking of radiological and nuclear materials.”

As the Customs Service gears up to tackle nuclear smuggling through cutting-edge techniques, the commendation from a seasoned expert like Dr. Sambo underscores the potential transformative effects of this strategic initiative.