Experts Seek Improved Border Security, Trade Facilitation Through Digitalisation, Collaboration
By Titus Omajali
Customs and border security experts have called for enhanced collaboration and digitalisation of processes to improve security and trade facilitation across borders.
This was the focus of discussions during the 5th Ports and Customs/Border Security Week, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 3 to 4 December 2024. The event gathered Customs officers, immigration officials, academics, and stakeholders to address border challenges and explore innovative solutions.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Sanusi Saulawa represented the Nigeria Customs Service at the conference, participating in a critical discussion centred around a theme “Enhancing Seamless Cross-Border Movement Across Maritime, Air, and Land: Balancing Security and Passenger/Trade Facilitation.”
During the Conference, AC Sanusi also delivered a paper titled “The Role of Strategic Management and Inter-Agency Cooperation in Enhancing Border Security Against Illicit Trade in Nigeria,” where he highlighted the need for synergy and strategic reforms. “There is an urgent need for strategic management and inter-agency cooperation in enhancing border security against illicit trade in Africa, particularly in Nigeria”.He emphasised.
Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation and digital tools in addressing security threats and facilitating legitimate trade and travel.
The annual conference reaffirmed its commitment to fostering dialogue and innovations to secure borders while supporting economic development.
