Customs, NCC Deepen Collaboration on Device Monitoring, Revenue and Security
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at boosting revenue generation, enhancing national security, and protecting public safety by tightening the monitoring of imported communication devices.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, at Customs headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Adeniyi said the Service was increasingly focused on the security implications of unregulated importation of mobile devices. He stressed that a stronger partnership with the NCC would allow both agencies to improve their monitoring systems.
“Technology-related imports such as mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecom equipment must be subjected to proper certification and classification under our tariff regime,” Adeniyi said. “Such measures will ensure only authorised importers are permitted to bring them into the country. Both for effective security and revenue, we will be committed to deepening collaboration.”
The Customs boss explained that the Service would work with the NCC to train its officers on certification processes and align tariff codes with regulated devices to curb abuses at the borders.
On broader safety issues, Adeniyi observed that the concentration of high-rise buildings, places of worship, and sensitive institutions in Abuja demanded vigilance. He said cooperation between both agencies would help prevent disasters in highly populated urban areas.
In his remarks, NCC’s Maida congratulated Adeniyi on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, describing the appointment as a recognition of his leadership both within and outside the country.
He stated that the NCC’s Device Management System (DMS) would play a key role in ensuring that only standard devices enter Nigeria, a move he said would support Customs’ revenue drive and improve the quality of telecom services.
“One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself,” Maida explained. “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.”
Maida also raised concerns over the growing importation of network boosters, noting that while they may provide temporary benefits to individuals, they often distort signals and reduce overall network quality. He urged Customs to help enforce restrictions on uncertified boosters to safeguard the industry.
He assured that the NCC would sustain the “spirit of collaboration” with Customs to address revenue leakages while also strengthening consumer protection.
