The Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Communications Commission,NCC,have strengthened their alliance to monitor telecom imports.
The strengthened collaboration was announced during a strategic meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, in Abuja.
The partnership focuses on three key areas — securing Nigeria’s digital space, preventing revenue loss, and ensuring public safety.
Adeniyi explained that the Customs Service is expanding its focus beyond revenue generation to tackle national security challenges associated with unregulated imports.
He stressed that all imported mobile phones, network boosters, and similar devices must undergo proper certification and classification before entry into the Nigerian market.
He noted that stronger ties with the NCC will help close loopholes exploited by smugglers and ensure that only approved equipment is allowed into the country.
READ ALSO: Customs limits checkpoints between Mile 2, Seme
“For both security and revenue, Customs is committed to deepening this collaboration,” Adeniyi said, adding that both agencies plan to embark on joint training programmes and harmonize Customs codes with the NCC’s certification system.
The Customs chief also linked the initiative to public safety concerns, urging greater vigilance around high-rise buildings and sensitive institutions, particularly in Abuja and other major cities.
On his part, Maida described the NCC’s Device Management System ,DMS,as a crucial component of the collaboration. The system, he said, enables the Commission to track imported phones, block counterfeit and substandard devices, and ultimately improve telecom service quality.
“Substandard devices undermine service quality regardless of operators’ investments. That is why the DMS project is critical,” Maida stated.
He further expressed concern about illegal network boosters that degrade communication networks, calling for Customs’ support in ensuring uncertified equipment does not enter the country.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration in addressing security threats, curbing the influx of unregulated devices, and promoting a safer digital environment for Nigerians.
Crediblenewsng.com
