Customs Drives Regional Security, Digital Transformation at West Africa Border Security Week
By Muhammad Bashir
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its resolve to strengthen regional security cooperation and modernise border management at the West Africa Border Security Week, held in Accra, Ghana, from 5–6 August 2025.
Representing the Service, Comptroller Olomu Babatunde delivered a presentation titled “Combating Cross-Border Illicit Trade in West Africa: A New Strategy for Regional Security”, highlighting the growing sophistication of illicit trade networks across the subregion.
He detailed the drivers and far-reaching consequences of illicit trade from economic sabotage to heightened security threats and urged a collaborative, intelligence-led response to dismantle such networks.
Olomu outlined measures already in force, including targeted enforcement at airports, seaports, and land borders; deployment of specialised units; and partnerships with international agencies.
He observed that regional security hinges on shared intelligence, harmonised policies, and continuous capacity building among West African customs administrations. “In Nigeria, our interventions have disrupted criminal supply chains, seized contraband worth billions, and curbed revenue leakages. But the transnational nature of these crimes demands strategies that go beyond national borders.”
Also speaking at the summit, Assistant Comptroller Sanusi Saulawa presented a paper titled “Digital Transformation, Revenue Generation, and Border Security: Assessing the Role of Nigeria Customs Service”.
Tracing the Service’s digital journey from manual operations to the Asycuda system, NICIS I, NICIS II, and the recent launch of its indigenous platform, B’Odogwu, Saulawa underscored the impact of these upgrades.
“Digital transformation has enabled us to seal loopholes, integrate real-time analytics, and act swiftly against border threats,” he said, noting significant gains in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and the detection of illicit activities.
Through its representatives, the NCS reaffirmed its commitment to sustained investment in technology, training, and cross-border collaboration to secure Nigeria’s frontiers and foster a safer, more prosperous West African region.
