The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has said it would strengthen its partnership with the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) and intensify the formidable security presence at borderlines across the federation.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, stated this, recently when he received the delegation from the DRDB led by its Director-General, Major General Emmanuel Ndagi, at the Customs Headquarters.
CGC Adeniyi expressed the readiness of the NCS to partner with the Bureau to sustain the Service’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements in its operations, which, according to him, will result in achieving economic growth.
He said ” I see a lot of possibilities that will continue to evolve between the Nigeria Customs Service and DRDB in the area of technology because we live in the age of technology now.”
“We believe that any organisation that ignores research and developments might be digging its own grave because, for us, the Nigeria Customs Service, the rapid change and dynamic nature of our environment presupposes the need for us to engage in technological development programmes constantly.”
“One of the immediate things suggested for us was using geospatial intelligence to combat the scourge of border crimes. We have also set up a structure devoted to our special intelligence. Beyond that, we have a Command and Staff College, where we engage our students in periodic research and operations.”
Ndagi, on his part, said their visit to the Customs House was to acquaint the CGC with the Bureau’s activities and to seek partnership with the Service as an essential security structure in the country.
The DG, who identified some key areas on which the DRDB wishes to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service, also expressed optimism that their alliance will enable them to coordinate significant operations at border areas across the federation.
“Addressing these challenges with compassion and jointly developing technologies that address border security concerns will help us to fortify our border areas, and that is one key aspect that I want to seek the cooperation of the Comptroller-General of Customs to join hands with DRDB in partnership, “he stated.
