The Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja warmly hosted a distinguished delegation of military officers from Zambia, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, extended a gracious welcome to the guests, fostering diplomatic ties and strengthening collaborative efforts in regional security.
During the meeting, Acting CGC Adeniyi drew upon his experience as Commandant, organizing educational tours for senior course students at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada. This history underscored the significance of international cooperation and the pivotal role customs services play in shaping regional security narratives.
In a generous display of hospitality, the Acting CGC not only pledged unwavering support to the visiting officers but also provided essential documents to facilitate their understanding of the intricate operations of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The meeting’s central theme, “Reshaping Africa Security Narratives,” resonated through the Acting CGC’s commitment to inclusivity. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and security agencies across Africa, seeing it as a powerful deterrent to issues such as kidnapping, illegal mining, and various criminal activities that threaten regional stability.
In a forward-thinking move, the Acting CGC outlined initiatives to involve competent individuals from border communities in the customs service. Recognizing the integral role of trans-border trade, he underscored that fostering its enhancement is not only beneficial for economic growth but also essential for maintaining peace and security across the African continent.
Colonel Masheke Mutimwa, leading the visiting delegation, expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Nigeria Customs Service’s management team. He highlighted the purpose of their visit, aiming to expose their student officers to the operational practices of the Nigeria Customs Service. This exchange of knowledge, he believed, would enrich their understanding and methodologies in their respective roles.
During the meeting, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement Inspection and Investigation, Muhammad Abba-Kura, delivered a comprehensive presentation. The presentation spotlighted the commendable achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service and underscored its pivotal role in advancing regional security and promoting seamless trade practices.
The gathering at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters exemplified a forward-thinking approach to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among African nations. As the Acting CGC emphasized the need for collective efforts in reshaping security narratives, the meeting stood as a testament to the potential of unified action in addressing shared challenges and fostering prosperity across the continent.
