The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have pledged to deepen collaboration in regulating device imports, revenue protection, and safeguarding public safety.
Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi received NCC Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida at Customs House, Maitama, on Tuesday, where both leaders discussed ways to tighten monitoring of imported communications equipment, particularly mobile phones and network boosters.
Adeniyi stressed the need for stricter controls to curb unauthorised imports, saying Customs would align tariff codes with NCC certification processes and improve officer training for more effective enforcement.
He also cited growing urban security risks, noting that unchecked use of communications devices posed dangers in high-rise buildings and sensitive locations in Abuja.
Maida, who commended Adeniyi’s recent election as Chair of the World Customs Organisation Council, outlined the NCC’s Device Management System (DMS), which blocks non-compliant handsets from Nigerian networks.
The scheme, he said, improves service quality, enhances consumer protection, and complements Customs’ revenue drive. He also warned of the dangers posed by unregulated network boosters, which degrade signal quality, and called on Customs to restrict their entry.
“One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself. If a subscriber is using a substandard phone, no matter the investment operators make in their networks, service quality will remain poor. That is why the DMS project is critical,” he said.
The two agencies agreed to strengthen joint action against revenue leakages, illegal trade, and unsafe telecom equipment, while reinforcing efforts to protect consumers and enhance national security.
The NCS and NCC have long cooperated in regulating telecommunications equipment imports. Their renewed alliance is seen as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to improve digital infrastructure, combat smuggling, and shield the public from substandard products.
