The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have committed to strengthening their collaboration to better monitor imported communication devices.
The commissions said the move is aimed at enhancing national security, boosting revenue, and safeguarding public welfare.
NCS in a statement posted on its X page on Friday said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made the commitment while hosting the Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Aminu Maida, at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.
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Adeniyi stated that the Customs Service is now focusing beyond mere revenue collection to address the security implications of unchecked mobile device importation.
He emphasised that closer coordination with the NCC is essential for improving both agencies’ monitoring capabilities.
He insisted that imported technology, including mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecommunication gear, must undergo rigorous certification and proper classification under the Customs’ tariff rules to ensure only authorized importers are bringing them into the country.
He pledged that the NCS would work with the NCC to train its officers on certification procedures and align tariff codes with regulated devices to prevent border abuses, concluding that both security and revenue goals necessitate a deeper partnership.
Furthermore, Adeniyi raised concerns over public safety in high-density urban areas like Abuja.
He noted that the concentration of sensitive institutions and high-rise buildings requires shared learning and vigilance between the two bodies to prevent potential disasters.
Earlier, NCC boss Aminu Maida congratulated Adeniyi on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council.
Maida promoted the use of the NCC’s Device Management System (DMS), a platform designed to track imported phones and block non-compliant devices.
He argued that the DMS is crucial not only for helping Customs increase revenue but also for improving telecom service quality for subscribers.
He stated that substandard devices are a key factor undermining network performance regardless of operator investment.
Maida also requested Customs’ support in controlling the import of uncertified network boosters, which he noted often disrupt signals and degrade overall network quality, calling for action to restrict unapproved devices from entering the market.
He assured that the NCC would sustain the existing spirit of collaboration to jointly tackle revenue leakage and protect consumers.
