By Ufoh Awele Anthony
Copyright independent
Anthony Ufoh
The Nigeria Custom Service and the Nigerian Communications Commission have strengthen ties in order to enhance national security, improve revenue generation through monitoring of imported communications devices.
As part of the collaborative efforts, public safety and ensure that the nation’s citizen are well protected.
The Comptroller-General of the service, Adewale Adeniyi stated this on Tuesday September 30 2025 when he received the Executive Vice Chairman Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida and his team on a courtesy visit to the Customs House in Abuja.
CGC Adeniyi said the Service was already looking beyond revenue to the security implications of unchecked importation of mobile devices, stressing that closer synergy with the NCC would allow both agencies to strengthen their monitoring systems.
He explained that technology-related imports, such as mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecom equipment, must be subjected to proper certification and classification under the Customs’ tariff regime, noting that such measures would ensure only authorised importers are permitted to bring them into the country.
On broader safety issues, the CGC noted the growing need for cooperation in maintaining facilities in highly populated urban areas. He observed that the concentration of high-rise buildings in Abuja, coupled with places of worship and sensitive institutions, demands vigilance and shared learning between both agencies to prevent disasters.
On his part, Maida hailed Adeniyi on his election as the Chairperson of the Worlc Customs Organisations which he added that it is a recognition of his leadership qualities.
Maida emphasised that the NCC’s Device Management System, a platform designed to track imported phones and block substandard devices, would not only help Customs boost revenue but also enhance the quality of service for telecom subscribers.
“One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself. 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,” he said.
Maida also added that both agencies must continue to sustain the “spirit of collaboration” already established, assuring that the NCC would work closely with Customs to tackle the dual challenges of revenue leakages and consumer protection.
He further raised concerns over the uncontrolled use of network boosters, which, though sometimes helpful to individuals, often distort signals and reduce overall network quality.
