Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a renewed push to strengthen maritime security, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Western Marine Command and the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Lagos Marine Command have commenced a three-day joint training programme aimed at deepening inter-agency collaboration along Nigeria’s waterways.
The exercise, which began with a joint parade at Ibafon, Lagos, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s coastal and border areas amid growing threats from smuggling, trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command, said the training aligns with the strategic agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to enhance operational synergy and capacity building.
“This is my first parade, and I’m pleased to hold it alongside the Immigration Service. We are like twins in service, working towards the same national objective. That’s why your Comptroller could send you here without hesitation,” Ntadi stated.
He explained that the programme was not just symbolic but a concrete step toward stronger coordination in marine enforcement operations.
“Today, we are kick-starting a three-day programme in line with the CGC’s agenda for capacity building. We know the importance of our work and are committed to delivering on it. This exercise will conclude with a joint waterway patrol, demonstrating our shared resolve,” he added.
On her part, Comptroller Clementina Ogbudu, who heads the Immigration Port/Marine Command in Lagos, lauded the commitment of officers from both services, describing them as critical stakeholders in national security.
“I know how much the CAC values his officers, just as I value mine. You have consistently shown vigilance and professionalism in your duties, which deserves commendation,” she said.
“Today, we have chosen to work together to form a team that is difficult to breach, given our role at the forefront of critical national security issues.”
The training session officially commenced after the parade with a lecture titled “Collaborating for National Security and Development: A Blueprint for the Nigeria Immigration and Customs Services.” Participants also engaged in interactive sessions focused on intelligence sharing, joint patrol protocols, and strategic response planning.
The initiative comes at a time of increasing concern over illicit maritime activities and underscores the importance of multi-agency cooperation in protecting Nigeria’s borders and coastal assets.
SweetCrude Reports understands that the joint training will culminate in a full-fledged joint patrol operation across identified maritime corridors in Lagos and its environs.
