The Nigeria Customs Service NCS and the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC have strengthened their partnership to safeguard the nation’s digital space, block revenue leakages, and secure public safety through stricter monitoring of imported telecom devices.

Comptroller-General of Customs CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, gave this assurance when he received NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Aminu Maida, at the Customs headquarters, Maitama, Abuja.

Adeniyi, recently elected as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation Council, said the Service is looking beyond revenue to the national security risks of unchecked imports. He stressed that mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecom equipment must undergo proper certification and classification, noting that tighter collaboration with the NCC will close gaps exploited by unauthorised importers.

“For both security and revenue, Customs is committed to deepening this collaboration,” Adeniyi stated, adding that joint training for officers and harmonisation of tariff codes with NCC’s certification regime would be top priorities.

The CGC also drew attention to broader safety concerns, especially in cities like Abuja where high-rise buildings, worship centres, and sensitive institutions demand proactive vigilance. He emphasised the need for knowledge-sharing between both agencies to prevent disasters.

On his part, NCC boss Aminu Maida hailed Adeniyi’s global recognition, describing it as proof of his leadership credibility. He highlighted NCC’s Device Management System DMS; a platform to track imported phones, block fake devices, and improve telecom service quality — as a game-changer for both revenue assurance and consumer protection.

“Substandard devices undermine service quality regardless of operators’ investments. That is why the DMS project is critical,” Maida explained, while also raising red flags over the misuse of network boosters that distort signals and degrade overall network performance.

He called for Customs’ firm support in restricting uncertified boosters and devices from entering Nigeria’s markets.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the “spirit of collaboration,” pledging to jointly tackle security threats, curb smuggling of unregulated devices, and deliver safer, smarter digital experiences for Nigerians.