Customs Strengthens Collaboration with Immigration for Enhanced Border Security, Trade Facilitation
Author: Opeyemi Omodara.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)’s Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Command has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to boost security, trade facilitation and intelligence sharing within the Free Trade Zone.
This was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller of Immigration, Rivers Marine Command, Onne, Comptroller Emeka Eneh, to the Customs Area Controller of the Oil and Gas FTZ Command, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, at the Command’s headquarters in Onne, Rivers State.
According to a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCII) Paul Gimba, immediately after the visit, the meeting underscored the longstanding partnership between Customs and Immigration, emphasising their shared responsibility in facilitating trade, securing Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Welcoming his guest, Comptroller Alkali reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to fostering synergy between the two agencies, particularly in monitoring the movement of expatriates, goods and vessels within the FTZ. He emphasised the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in achieving seamless operations.
“The Nigeria Customs Service has always maintained a strong working relationship with the Nigeria Immigration Service, particularly within the maritime sector. Given the strategic importance of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone to Nigeria’s economy, it is essential that we continue to collaborate effectively to ensure smooth and secure trade operations,” said Comptroller Alkali.
He further assured the visiting Immigration Comptroller of Customs of the agency’s readiness to enhance intelligence sharing, joint operations, and capacity building. He noted that a stronger partnership would significantly contribute to national security and trade facilitation.
In response, Comptroller Eneh commended the NCS for its crucial role in securing the Free Trade Zone and facilitating legitimate trade. He stressed the importance of closer engagement between both agencies, citing their proximity and the need for enhanced synergy in handling immigration and customs-related activities within the FTZ.
“Our collaboration is vital in maintaining security and efficiency within the Free Trade Zone. Strengthening our relationship will further enhance our ability to monitor and regulate movements within this critical economic hub,” he noted.
The visit concluded with both comptrollers reaffirming their commitment to reinforcing cooperation to enhance efficiency and security measures and create a more conducive environment for trade and investment in the Free Trade Zone.
This renewed partnership aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while upholding national security, benefiting all FTZ stakeholders.
