The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have agreed to reinforce their joint efforts against drug trafficking and organised crime, following a high-level meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd).
The meeting, held on Monday, 27 April 2026, at the NDLEA Headquarters in Jahi, Abuja, centred on strengthening operational coordination, enhancing accountability in narcotics cases, and building a more structured enforcement framework between both agencies.
Adeniyi, who attended with key members of his management team, noted that the fight against drug trafficking now carries significant international implications. He stressed that Nigeria’s credibility with global partners depends on the efficiency of collaboration among domestic enforcement agencies.
According to him, narcotics trafficking remains a major concern in international engagements, with the West African corridor under close scrutiny. He added that agreements reached with foreign partners would only be meaningful if supported by effective local enforcement, from intelligence gathering to prosecution and final disposal of seized drugs.
The Customs boss highlighted ongoing seizures and handovers to NDLEA across commands, particularly at Apapa, but pointed out that enforcement efforts must extend beyond interception. He called for improved post-seizure processes, including timely destruction of confiscated drugs, regular updates on prosecution, and better coordination in handling exhibits.
Adeniyi proposed a more robust collaboration framework, including joint destruction of seized narcotics in cases without arrests, periodic reporting on case progress, coordinated court processes, and strengthened liaison channels at the command level. He emphasized that the goal is not to assign blame, but to advance an already established partnership.
In his response, NDLEA Chairman Marwa acknowledged the concerns raised, describing them as both valid and timely. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective inter-agency cooperation.
Marwa also announced plans to establish a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies. The committee is expected to recommend clearer operational procedures and, where necessary, propose a supplementary agreement for approval by both leaderships.
He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for both agencies to openly address challenges and take practical steps toward strengthening their collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking.
