In a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s economic and security landscape, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to improve revenue generation, strengthen national security, and safeguard public safety. The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Maida, and his team to the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, 30 September 2025. This partnership aims to address critical issues related to the importation of communication devices, ensuring that only certified and compliant devices enter the country while enhancing monitoring systems to curb illegal activities.
Strengthening Revenue and Security Through Collaboration
During the meeting, Comptroller-General Adeniyi emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service is shifting its focus beyond revenue generation to encompass the broader implications of unregulated imports, particularly mobile devices and other telecommunication equipment. He highlighted the need for a robust partnership with the NCC to strengthen monitoring mechanisms at Nigeria’s borders. By aligning efforts, both agencies aim to ensure that technology-related imports, such as mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecom devices, are properly certified and classified under the Customs’ tariff regime. This measure is designed to restrict unauthorized importers and prevent the influx of substandard or illegal devices into the country.
Adeniyi stressed the importance of proper certification processes, noting that such measures are critical not only for revenue generation but also for national security. “We are looking beyond revenue to the security implications of unchecked importation of mobile devices,” he said. To achieve this, the Customs Service plans to collaborate with the NCC to train its officers on certification processes and align tariff codes with regulated devices. This training will equip Customs officers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and curb abuses at Nigeria’s borders, ensuring that only compliant devices are allowed into the market. “Both for effective security and revenue, we will be committed to deepening collaboration,” Adeniyi affirmed.
The partnership will also focus on leveraging technology to enhance monitoring systems. By integrating the NCC’s expertise in telecommunications with the Customs Service’s border control capabilities, both agencies aim to create a more efficient and secure import process. This collaboration is expected to reduce revenue leakages caused by smuggling or misclassification of goods while ensuring that only high-quality, certified devices reach Nigerian consumers.
Addressing Public Safety Concerns
Beyond revenue and security, Adeniyi highlighted the growing need for cooperation between the NCS and NCC to address public safety concerns, particularly in densely populated urban areas. He pointed out that the proliferation of high-rise buildings in cities like Abuja, combined with the presence of places of worship and other sensitive institutions, demands heightened vigilance. Unregulated telecommunication devices, such as network boosters, can pose significant risks if not properly managed. For instance, improperly installed or uncertified boosters can interfere with network signals, disrupt communication services, and even pose safety hazards in critical situations.
To mitigate these risks, Adeniyi called for shared learning and cooperation between the two agencies. By working together, they can develop strategies to monitor and regulate the use of such devices, ensuring that they meet safety standards and do not compromise public welfare. This collaborative approach will also involve regular engagement to address emerging challenges and share best practices in maintaining safety in urban environments.
NCC’s Role in Enhancing Service Quality and Consumer Protection
During the visit, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, congratulated Adeniyi on his recent election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, describing it as a testament to his exemplary leadership both in Nigeria and on the global stage. Maida emphasized the NCC’s commitment to supporting the Customs Service in achieving its objectives, particularly through the implementation of the Device Management System (DMS).
The DMS is a sophisticated platform designed to track imported mobile phones and block substandard or uncertified devices from accessing Nigerian networks. Maida explained that the system is a critical tool for improving the quality of service for telecom subscribers. “One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself,” he said. “If a subscriber is using a substandard phone, no matter the investment operators make in their networks, service quality will remain poor. That is why the DMS project is critical.”
By ensuring that only certified devices are allowed into the market, the DMS will not only enhance consumer experience but also contribute to revenue generation for the government. Substandard devices often evade proper taxation and certification processes, leading to significant revenue losses. The collaboration between the NCC and NCS will help address these leakages by ensuring that all imported devices are properly documented and taxed.
Tackling the Issue of Network Boosters
Maida also raised concerns about the uncontrolled use of network boosters, which are often imported and used without proper certification. While these devices can improve signal strength for individual users, they frequently cause signal distortion and degrade overall network quality for other subscribers. To address this issue, Maida called for the Customs Service’s support in restricting the importation of uncertified boosters and ensuring that only approved devices enter the market. This measure will help maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications networks and ensure a consistent quality of service for all users.
Sustaining the Spirit of Collaboration
Both Adeniyi and Maida underscored the importance of sustaining the “spirit of collaboration” that has already been established between the NCS and NCC. Maida assured that the NCC would work closely with the Customs Service to tackle the dual challenges of revenue leakages and consumer protection. By combining their expertise and resources, the two agencies aim to create a more secure, efficient, and consumer-friendly environment for the importation and use of communication devices in Nigeria.
This partnership comes at a critical time when Nigeria is grappling with the challenges of rapid urbanization, technological advancement, and the need to balance economic growth with public safety. The collaboration between the NCS and NCC is expected to set a precedent for inter-agency cooperation in addressing complex issues that require coordinated efforts across different sectors.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Economy and Security
The strengthened partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Communications Commission has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy and security. By improving the monitoring of imported communication devices, the collaboration will help curb smuggling, reduce revenue losses, and ensure that only high-quality, certified devices are available to consumers. This will not only boost government revenue but also enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector by ensuring that consumers have access to reliable and efficient devices.
From a security perspective, the partnership will help address the risks associated with unregulated imports, such as the potential use of substandard devices for illegal activities. By aligning tariff codes, training officers, and implementing advanced monitoring systems, the NCS and NCC will create a more secure environment for both consumers and the government.
Conclusion
The commitment by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi and NCC Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida to deepen collaboration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance revenue generation, strengthen national security, and protect public safety. Through initiatives like the Device Management System and joint training programs, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Communications Commission are poised to address the challenges of unregulated imports and ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications sector remains robust and consumer-friendly. As both agencies continue to work together, their partnership will serve as a model for inter-agency cooperation, demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving shared goals for the benefit of the nation.
