Customs and BAT Nigeria Partner to Combat Tobacco Smuggling

On Thursday, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Abuja to combat tobacco smuggling and enhance regulatory compliance. The agreement aims to deepen collaboration between the two organizations in the fight against illicit trade and to protect legitimate investments.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the MoU as a strategic framework that will strengthen cooperation to address illegal cross-border trade and ensure greater compliance across the tobacco value chain. He emphasized the importance of sending a strong message to local and international investors regarding Nigeria's commitment to safeguarding legitimate business practices.

BAT Nigeria's Managing Director, Yarub Al Bahrani, referred to the agreement as a landmark development that reflects the strength of the relationship between BATN and NCS. The MoU is expected to facilitate greater information sharing, intelligence collaboration, and coordinated enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit trade networks operating within and across Nigeria's borders.