Monday, 02 July 2012 00:00

International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INLA) has said that the Nigeria Customs Service role in the global fight against drug trafficking and narcotics has helped a great deal towards the success of the West African Cooperative Security Initiative.

Its Deputy Assistant Secretary, Mr. Williams Brownfield disclosed this during  a working visit to the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

He  described the  Nigeria as a country whose transformation is on a fast lane in all aspect of national development.

Brownfield said American experiences from collaboration with other nations especially Colombia had revealed that the war against narcotics and trafficking of drugs were achieved when customs administrations are equipped with the following four steps:
In a statement by  Joseph Attah Customs Public Relations Officer the deputy assistant secretary assured the service of the readiness of the American government to assist the Nigeria Customs Service in the identified area of strength.

Responding, the Comptroller-General  of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Human Resource Development, Garba Makarfi, welcomed the delegation as well as commended the American Government for the supportive role they have played in the area of capacity building and other technical assistance that Nigeria has enjoyed.

DCG Makarfi said, as Regional Leader, in the West and Central African Customs of the WCO, Nigeria Customs is determined to collaborate with global organizations that will help rid the region of dangerous narcotics and other illicit trade that have proved to be the remote and booster of terrorism and crisis that have characterized some part of our region. 

Speaking further on NCS needs, DCG SR&P, Manasseh Jatau informed the delegation of previous cooperation and participation of the Service in Operation Cockair and other anti-narcotic activity organized by the INL.

He said the NCS will need the assistance of the INL in the direction of capacity building and provision of hi-tech equipment to detect drugs.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary, INL, was accompanied by the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrence McCulley and INL officer, Diane Kohn.