Drug trafficking through ports threatens Nigeria’s trade reputation, economy — Report

“Beyond the criminal dimension, persistent attempts to use Nigerian ports as transit corridors for narcotics could undermine the country’s international trade reputation, attract stricter destination-country inspections, increase cargo clearance delays, discourage investment, and elevate Nigeria’s global maritime risk profile,” the bulletin stated.“SEREC therefore calls for a transition from seizure-based enforcement to intelligence-led prevention through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven cargo profiling, wider installation of non-intrusive cargo scanners, strengthened container tracking systems, deeper collaboration among Customs, NDLEA, NPA, NIMASA and other security agencies, and the full integration of the National Single Window to enhance information sharing and risk management,” the report stated.

Specifically, it recommended the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven cargo profiling, wider installation of non-intrusive cargo scanners, stronger container tracking systems and enhanced collaboration among the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other security agencies.