Customs, NCC collaborate to fortify Nigerian digital space

In a significant move to enhance national security and protect revenue, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have reinforced their partnership to strictly monitor imported telecommunications equipment.

The collaboration, announced during a meeting between the heads of both agencies in Abuja, focuses on three key areas: securing the nation’s digital space, blocking financial leakages, and ensuring public safety.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized that the Service is expanding its focus beyond revenue generation to address the national security threats posed by unchecked imports.

He stated that all mobile phones, network boosters, and similar devices must undergo proper certification and classification, with closer ties to the NCC effectively closing loopholes used by smugglers.

“For both security and revenue, Customs is committed to deepening this collaboration,” Adeniyi said, outlining plans for joint staff training and harmonizing customs codes with the NCC’s certification system.

The Customs boss also linked the initiative to broader public safety, highlighting the need for vigilance around high-rise buildings and sensitive institutions in cities like Abuja.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, pointed to the Commission’s Device Management System (DMS) as a critical tool for the partnership.

The system is designed to track imported phones, block counterfeit devices, and improve service quality, he said.

“Substandard devices undermine service quality regardless of operators’ investments. That is why the DMS project is critical,” Maida explained.

He also raised concerns about illegal network boosters, which degrade telecom services, and called for Customs’ support in keeping uncertified equipment out of the country.

Both leaders pledged to maintain their collaborative spirit to combat security threats, curb the smuggling of unregulated devices, and ensure a safer digital environment for Nigerians.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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