By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as part of renewed efforts to combat economic and financial crimes and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
The call was made on Wednesday,28 January, 2026, in Lagos during a courtesy visit by the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Adebayo Adeniyi, to the office of the Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede.
Speaking during the visit, Adeniyi described the Nigeria Customs Service as a critical stakeholder in the anti-graft war, stressing that sustained inter-agency collaboration remains vital to dismantling criminal networks undermining the nation’s economy.
He said closer cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and joint operations, would strengthen enforcement efforts against economic sabotage.
According to him, the EFCC places high value on strategic partnerships with sister agencies, noting that Customs’ role in border control and trade regulation makes it indispensable in tracking illicit financial flows and smuggling-related crimes.
Adeniyi urged the Service to deepen its support through data analysis, timely information sharing and watch-listing of suspects linked to economic and financial crimes.
“We want you to continue supporting us in the best way you can via data analysis, information sharing and watch-listing of suspects,” he said, adding that a coordinated approach would help safeguard Nigeria’s economic growth.
In response, Babandede commended the EFCC for its sustained efforts to rid the country of economic and financial crimes.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to supporting the Commission’s mandate, stressing that collaboration between both agencies remains crucial to national economic security.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to working closely with the EFCC to curb smuggling, revenue leakages and other forms of economic sabotage,” Babandede said. “Our collaboration is essential to achieving a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.”
