Comptroller Ntadi advocates inter-agency collaboration to tackle waterway smuggling

Omeiza Bilal

The Comptroller in charge of the Western Marine Command, Comptroller  of Customs Patrick Ntadi, has underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among security agencies to effectively combat smuggling along Nigeria’s southwestern waterways.

He made the call recently while receiving the Commanding Officer of the 15 Field Engineer Regiment, Nigerian Army, Badagry, Lieutenant Colonel Augustine Amangele, during a courtesy visit to the Command.

Welcoming his guest, Comptroller Ntadi described the visit as a significant step toward strengthening inter-agency relationships, noting that such engagements are essential for fostering mutual cooperation. “When you visit a sister agency, you are building a proper relationship within government institutions.”

Ntadi emphasised that collaboration remains critical, as both the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Army share a common national objective. He added that the Command maintains similar working relationships with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, in safeguarding the nation’s coastline.

“Fighting smuggling is everybody’s job, because smuggling badly affects our economy. We have to work together so that we can battle smugglers that see the venture as a business while the country losses a lot”, he said. 

Earlier in his remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Amangele described the visit as part of established military tradition aimed at strengthening operational synergy. “It is customary in the system that when you fall into our area of responsibility, we always extend courtesy visits to strengthen good working relationship and achieve synergised operations”, he noted. 

Meanwhile, the Command also organised a two-day medical outreach programme focused on stress management for officers and personnel.

The Zone ‘A’ Medical Officer, Comptroller Roland Nwankwo, highlighted the importance of adopting healthy daily habits to improve overall well-being. “We know stress is part of our daily lives and we have enlightened them on its various forms and practical ways to cope, especially during periods of distress”, he said.