The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for an investment-driven approach to border management, stressing that sustainable security and trade facilitation can only be achieved through strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and human capital.Adeniyi made this known during a policy roundtable in Abuja, where government officials, security agencies, and trade stakeholders convened to discuss ways to modernise Nigeria’s border operations and enhance economic competitiveness.
According to him, Nigeria’s borders are not just security flashpoints but also vital economic gateways that require innovative funding models and partnerships to ensure effective control and smooth trade activities.
“We must move away from viewing border security solely as an expenditure item,” Adeniyi said. “It should be seen as a long-term investment in national stability, trade growth, and regional integration. When properly managed, borders can serve as powerful engines of economic prosperity.”
He emphasised that improving border security requires a balance between enforcement and facilitation. While the NCS remains committed to tackling smuggling, arms trafficking, and other transnational crimes, Adeniyi said the service also prioritises promoting legitimate trade through efficient clearance processes and cross-border cooperation.
The Customs chief highlighted the need for modern surveillance technologies such as drones, scanners, and data analytics tools to improve monitoring and intelligence-sharing along Nigeria’s porous borders. He noted that such investments would not only strengthen national security but also reduce revenue leakages and operational inefficiencies.
“The days of manual inspection and reactive security responses must give way to intelligence-driven operations supported by modern tools,” Adeniyi said. “Our goal is to ensure that every legitimate trader enjoys smooth passage while criminal elements are swiftly intercepted.”
He further revealed that the NCS is exploring partnerships with private sector investors and development partners to fund critical infrastructure such as border posts, scanning facilities, and road networks that link major entry points to commercial hubs.
According to him, such collaborations will align with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and improve Nigeria’s standing within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Border modernization is essential if Nigeria must fully benefit from the AfCFTA framework,” he said. “Investments in digital infrastructure and inter-agency collaboration will enhance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and promote regional competitiveness.”
Adeniyi also called for stronger coordination among border agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Police, and other security outfits, to ensure unified operations and intelligence sharing. He stressed that overlapping mandates and weak coordination often lead to delays and corruption, discouraging legitimate traders.
“Border management is a shared responsibility. We must create a harmonised system that eliminates duplication and fosters accountability,” he added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, commended the Customs Service for adopting a forward-thinking approach to border management. He assured that the government remains committed to providing policy support and funding to enhance border infrastructure and digital systems.
“Border security should not only focus on preventing illegal activities but also on facilitating legitimate trade and economic growth,” Edun stated. “The Federal Government will continue to support reforms that position Nigeria as a regional logistics hub.”
Trade experts and economists at the forum also supported Adeniyi’s proposal, noting that an investment-based approach would improve efficiency and transparency at border points while creating jobs and boosting non-oil revenue.
According to economic analyst, Dr. Chika Okafor, “The idea of viewing border security as an investment is both progressive and practical. When you invest in infrastructure, training, and digital tools, you not only enhance national security but also reduce smuggling and improve revenue collection.”
Dr. Okafor further stressed that Nigeria must leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs) to finance its border projects, especially given fiscal constraints and competing national priorities.
The NCS boss also revealed that the Service’s modernization drive has begun yielding positive results, including increased revenue collection and faster clearance timelines at major border posts such as Seme, Idiroko, and Jibia.
He said the Customs Service will continue implementing technology-driven reforms such as the e-Customs platform, which integrates payment systems, cargo tracking, and risk management tools to improve operational transparency.
Adeniyi concluded by reiterating that investment-led border security would ensure lasting benefits for Nigeria’s economy, particularly in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and regional cooperation.
“Every naira we invest in border modernization yields multiple returns — in safety, efficiency, and economic growth. That is the future we must build,” he said.
The forum ended with a resolution by stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and attract new investments to modernize Nigeria’s border systems for sustainable development and national security.
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