Nigeria Customs Service Emphasizes Tactical Approach in Citizen Interactions

The acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has urged the officers and personnel of the service to adopt a tactical and cautious approach in their interactions with citizens before resorting to the use of firearms.

Speaking at the official declaration of a sensitization workshop on the practical implementation of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 in Abuja, Adeniyi addressed comptrollers and assistant legal advisers.

During the workshop, participants received valuable insights into the practical application of the new Nigeria Customs Service Act, which outlines regulations and guidelines for the service’s effective and lawful operations.

Adeniyi underscored the significance of using firearms only in extreme circumstances that warrant self-defense. He stressed that the foremost duty of customs officers is to protect the citizens of the country, and the use of firearms should be an absolute last resort. The Comptroller General emphasized the importance of employing alternative tactical measures in dealing with various situations.

By promoting a tactical approach in their interactions with citizens, the Nigeria Customs Service aims to prioritize safety and uphold human rights while carrying out their duties. The workshop serves as a platform to enhance the capacity and professionalism of customs personnel, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate diverse scenarios effectively and responsibly.

In other developments, the Senate has called on the Federal Government to utilize the N14.2 billion already appropriated in the 2023 budget for the construction of the Nigerian Customs Academy in Bauchi State. The academy is envisioned as a one-stop shop operational center for the revenue-generating agency.

To oversee the project’s timely and successful completion, the Senate has directed its Committee on Customs, Excise, and Tariff, once constituted, to exercise diligent oversight during the construction process.

The Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to adopting tactical approaches and the Senate’s proactive efforts in allocating funds and providing oversight demonstrate the government’s dedication to ensuring the efficiency, transparency, and welfare of the customs service while safeguarding the well-being of citizens.