Customs Strengthens Infrastructure, Personnel Welfare, Security Collaboration in Niger/Kogi
By Titus Omajali
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Niger/Kogi Area Command, has intensified efforts to strengthen operational efficiency, improve personnel welfare and enhance inter-agency security cooperation through infrastructure assessment, health and safety awareness initiatives, and strategic engagement with the Nigeria Police Force.
The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC), Solomon Nwankwegu, disclosed this during a series of activities the Command undertook in Niger State, including an inspection of Customs facilities in Minna on 13 October 2026. DC Nwankwegu commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his continued support, noting that infrastructural investments were essential to strengthening operational efficiency and improving officers’ welfare.
As part of efforts to promote personnel well-being, the Command organised a diabetes awareness programme and fire safety lecture on 26 October 2026 at its conference room in Minna. The medical session was facilitated by the Command’s Medical Officer, Assistant Comptroller Lucky Alfred, while Assistant Comptroller of Fire, Hannatu Zakariya, delivered the fire safety lecture. The programme addressed diabetes risk factors, warning signs, complications and preventive measures, alongside fire prevention and emergency response procedures.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, the Acting CAC emphasised the connection between personnel welfare and institutional effectiveness, noting that “personnel welfare is an essential component of operational effectiveness.” He encouraged officers to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular medical check-ups and observe fire safety precautions to protect lives and government property.
In a related development, DC Nwankwegu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency security cooperation during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, on 3 November 2026. The visit aimed to consolidate the existing relationship between the two agencies through intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and improved responses to emerging security threats.
Speaking during the engagement, DC Nwankwegu stressed that “no security agency can effectively address prevailing threats in isolation”, emphasising the need for sustained synergy, mutual support and timely intelligence exchange, particularly in border security, crime prevention and the protection of lives and property.
Responding, CP Elleman appreciated the visit and reaffirmed the Police Command’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with the NCS in the collective interest of public safety, law enforcement and national security. He acknowledged the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing security challenges and sustaining peace and stability across Niger State and beyond.
The three engagements reflect the Niger/Kogi Area Command’s commitment to infrastructure development, personnel welfare and strategic partnerships in line with the NCS’s mandate.
