Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a landmark initiative to bolster regional border security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched the first-ever WCO Expert Master Trainer Programme on Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) in West Africa.
The week-long programme, which began on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Abuja, brought together Customs officers from across the region to build technical capacity in using advanced geospatial technologies for mapping, analyzing, and monitoring border activities.
Speaking at the launch, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the significance of the programme in combating transnational crimes and improving trade security.
“What we are witnessing today is the fruition of nearly a decade of sustained collaboration, innovation and capacity building,” he said, commending WCO and JICA for their roles.
Adeniyi noted the dual importance of the initiative, stating, “This recognition comes with both pride and responsibility, as we continue to serve as a model for other Customs Administrations seeking to enhance their border management capabilities.”
He also warned of the growing complexity of global supply chains and the increasing sophistication of criminal networks that demand equally advanced countermeasures.
WCO representative Motohiro Fujimitsu described the initiative as a “game-changer” for West Africa’s fragile borders, while JICA Chief Representative Yuzurio Susumu reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria and the broader region in building modern border control systems.
Assistant Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi concluded the event with a vote of thanks, urging all participants to apply their newly acquired skills to fortify border integrity across their respective countries.
