The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Customs Service have formalised a new partnership aimed at boosting joint efforts against drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
The agreement was sealed on Monday, April 27, 2026, during a high-level meeting at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. It was endorsed by NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, and Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, through a jointly signed communiqué.
Both agencies noted that the evolving nature of organised crime demands a coordinated and intelligence-driven response. The framework is designed to streamline operations, eliminate overlaps, and improve information sharing between the two bodies.
Under the agreement, the NDLEA and Customs will establish secure channels for exchanging actionable intelligence, deploy joint task forces at key operational points, and enhance collaboration across seaports, airports, and land borders. The arrangement also provides for the creation of a standing inter-agency committee to address disputes and ensure smooth coordination.
The agencies further pledged to respect each other’s legal mandates while working collaboratively to strengthen national security and facilitate legitimate trade.
Marwa and Adeniyi described the partnership as a strategic step in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, emphasising that aligning both institutions’ capabilities would significantly reinforce efforts to curb the trafficking of illicit drugs.