The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have formalised a strategic partnership to strengthen border security and combat drug trafficking nationwide.
The agreement was reached at a high-level meeting held Monday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, where the agency’s Chairman, Buba Marwa, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, signed a joint communiqué.
Both agencies highlighted the increasing sophistication of transnational organised crime, noting that a coordinated institutional response is critical to dismantling illicit drug networks.
Under the framework, NDLEA and Customs will deepen intelligence sharing through a secure and structured platform to support early detection and prevention of criminal activities. The partnership will also involve the deployment of joint task forces across key operational points, including seaports, airports and land borders.
To address longstanding operational challenges, the agreement outlines clear role definitions for each agency, aimed at eliminating overlaps and reducing inter-agency friction. A Standing Inter-Agency Committee will also be established to resolve disputes and ensure seamless coordination.
Marwa and Adeniyi described the collaboration as a significant step toward reinforcing Nigeria’s security architecture while preserving the efficiency of legitimate trade. They stressed that aligning the operational capabilities of both agencies would enhance the country’s ability to intercept illicit drug flows.
The partnership is expected to boost enforcement efficiency at Nigeria’s entry and exit points, strengthening ongoing efforts to curb drug-related crimes and protect public safety.
