The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Niger/Kogi Area Command, has reinforced its collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to enhance border security and protect legitimate transport operations.
The strategic engagement took place at the Command’s headquarters when the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Pascal Chibuoke, received a delegation from NARTO in partnership with NAXAR Strategic Consult Limited.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Abubakar Zakariya, the meeting focused on deepening cooperation in critical areas such as border security, combating illegal arms trafficking, and safeguarding lawful road transport activities.
Welcoming the delegation, Comptroller Chibuoke commended NARTO and NAXAR Strategic Consult for their proactive role in national security collaboration. He highlighted that road transport operators play a strategic role in intelligence gathering and compliance due to their frequent movement across border routes and major highways.
“Effective synergy between Customs and transport stakeholders is essential to tackling smuggling, illicit arms movement, and other transborder crimes,” Chibuoke said. “The Command remains committed to professionalism, sustained stakeholder engagement, and partnerships that ensure secure borders while facilitating lawful trade and transportation.”
In response, NARTO Niger/Kogi Coordinator Halifu Abdullahi, Technical Assistant Malam Safio Yahaya, and member Mr. Haruna Garba expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged full support for Customs’ security efforts. They assured the Command of NARTO’s readiness to assist through timely information sharing, member sensitisation, and cooperation with policies aimed at strengthening national security.
The meeting concluded with both parties affirming their commitment to sustained collaboration in the interest of national security, economic development, and the protection of legitimate transport operations across the Niger/Kogi axis.
