Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) in collaboration with experts from the World Customs Organization – Organisation Mondiale des Douanes (WCO), commenced a crucial workshop on 14 October 2024 at the Old Secretariat, Garki.
The training is focused on identifying and targeting Improvised Explosive Device (IED) precursors and components to enhance national security efforts.
The week-long workshop is aimed at strengthening the capacity of customs officers in detecting illicit explosives and other hazardous materials. WCO expert Malik Ghulam Ali highlighted the importance of this training in safeguarding the country from potential threats.
“The objective of this programme is to build the capacity of WCO member Customs Administrations in identifying and targeting the illicit movement of explosive precursors and other materials used in manufacturing IEDs,” he remarked.
Ali further noted that the programme encourages member administrations to play an active role in national and international security by supporting their governments in implementing UN resolutions aimed at reducing the threat posed by IEDs.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, ACG Suleiman Chiroma underscored the critical role of the selected participants in addressing this security challenge. He praised the WCO experts and emphasised how the workshop would equip officers with the necessary skills to ensure public safety.
“This programme has been designed to address the security challenges faced by West and Central Africa, including banditry and terrorism. It tackles the problem at its source by focusing on the identification of dangerous materials that could be used to harm our people and economy.
The participants have been carefully selected to undergo this intensive training, and it is expected that they will be instrumental in combating the illegal importation and movement of dangerous chemicals and components.” ACG Chiroma stated.
The workshop, which runs from 14 to 18 October 2024, is expected to have a lasting impact on national security by empowering officers to better detect and prevent the illegal entry of hazardous materials into the country.
