LEADERSHIP: ADENIYI, A RESPONSIVE, ACTIVE, PROACTIVE LEADER

Engages Govt Agencies On Post Seizure Actions/Processes

 

It doesn’t matter if the CGC’s engagement with NDLEA is a direct or indirect  response to issues raised in Monday Mooring edition of April 27, 2026, national good matters more.  From drugs to food and other seized items, prosecution/disposal processes must be fast tracked and more efficient.

It is therefore very revitalizing and reassuring to hear that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have resolved to strengthen their  partnership against narcotics trafficking and organised crime,  as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) strategize on improved post seizures operations.

 

A statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, NPRO, of the Service, Maiwada Abdullahi, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, disclosed that the meeting focused on tightening existing collaboration, improving accountability on seized narcotics cases and building a more coordinated enforcement structure between both agencies.

 

Accompanied by his management team,  Adeniyi told the NDLEA Boss  that the fight against drug trafficking now goes beyond domestic enforcement,  even as he warned that Nigeria’s credibility before international partners depends largely on how effectively local institutions work together.

 

The NPRO quoted the CGC to have said “I came here directly from international engagements in Europe and Asia, and at every table narcotics trafficking remained a major issue. The West African corridor is under serious watch. The agreements we sign abroad will only carry value when our operational credibility at home supports them. If intelligence shared with Nigeria is not pursued to interception, prosecution and destruction, our standing is weakened,” CGC Adeniyi said.

 

According to the mouthpiece of the NCS, the CGC said that the Service  continues to make major seizures and handovers to NDLEA, particularly through the Apapa Command and other operational formations.

 

CGC Adeniyi however stressed that interdiction alone was not enough, calling for stronger post-seizure accountability, regular prosecution updates and transparent destruction procedures.

The CGC said, “Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last. Where narcotics are transferred but not promptly destroyed, where prosecution advances without feedback, and where exhibits are separated from originating officers, then the chain of enforcement is  incomplete”

 

The NPRO informs that Adeniyi proposed a fresh framework between both agencies, including joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not arrested, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances and standing liaison channels at command level.

“We have not come here to apportion blame. We have come to design the next phase of a partnership that has carried Nigeria this far and must now carry it further,” the CGC said

 

Responding, the NDLEA Chairman described the concerns raised by the Customs delegation  as legitimate and timely, assuring that the NDLEA remains committed to transparency, accountability and professional cooperation.

“The concerns relating to post-transfer accountability, prosecution outcomes and disposal processes are valid concerns. We must move beyond ceremonial handovers to a structured and mandatory reporting framework under which NDLEA provides formal updates on investigations, prosecutions and final disposal of Customs-originated seizures.” Marwa said

The NDLEA Boss then proposed the immediate establishment of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding signed by both agencies under previous administrations.

 

The committee would recommend clearer procedures and, where necessary, draft a supplementary agreement for approval by both leaderships.

 

“Today’s meeting is timely. It gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of concern frankly and strengthen our collaboration” Marwa enthused.

 

Adeniyi exemplifies  responsibility in leadership as he consistently demonstrates that he  has the energy and vigour to render quality service to country going forward as Maritime Nigeria@ Monday Mooring watches keenly