The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have stepped up efforts to strengthen their frontline partnership against narcotics trafficking and organised crime, following a high-level meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd).
The strategic meeting, held on Monday, 27 April 2026, at the NDLEA Headquarters in Jahi, Abuja, centred on tightening collaboration, improving accountability in seized narcotics cases and building a more coordinated enforcement structure between both agencies.
Leading members of his management team, Adeniyi emphasised that the fight against drug trafficking now extends beyond domestic enforcement, noting that Nigeria’s credibility among international partners depends on how effectively its institutions work together.
“I came here directly from international engagements in Europe and Asia, and at every table narcotics trafficking remained a major issue. The West African corridor is under serious watch,” he said.
“The agreements we sign abroad will only carry value when our operational credibility at home supports them. If intelligence shared with Nigeria is not pursued to interception, prosecution and destruction, our standing is weakened.”
Adeniyi disclosed that the Service had continued to record significant seizures and handovers to NDLEA, particularly through the Apapa Command and other operational formations.
However, he stressed that interdiction alone is insufficient, calling for stronger post-seizure accountability, regular prosecution updates and transparent destruction processes.
“Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last. Where narcotics are transferred but not promptly destroyed, where prosecution advances without feedback, and where exhibits are separated from originating officers, then the chain of enforcement is incomplete,” he said.
To address these gaps, the Customs boss proposed a new framework, including joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not apprehended, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances and the establishment of standing liaison channels at command level.
“We have not come here to apportion blame. We have come to design the next phase of a partnership that has carried Nigeria this far and must now carry it further,” he added.
Responding, NDLEA Chairman Marwa described the concerns as valid and timely, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professional cooperation.
“The concerns relating to post-transfer accountability, prosecution outcomes and disposal processes are valid. We must move beyond ceremonial handovers to a structured and mandatory reporting framework under which NDLEA provides formal updates on investigations, prosecutions and final disposal of Customs-originated seizures,” he said.
Marwa also proposed the immediate establishment of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies.
According to him, the committee would recommend clearer procedures and, where necessary, draft a supplementary agreement for approval by both leaderships.
“Today’s meeting is timely. It gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of concern frankly and strengthen our collaboration,” he stated.
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