The Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps have strengthened their partnership to promote road safety along transportation routes in Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

Both agencies are also collaborating to facilitate legitimate trade and enhance security along the same routes.

Nkeiruka Nwala, the acting customs area controller for the Cross River-Calabar Free Trade Zone-Akwa Ibom area command, said this on Monday. This was during a courtesy and familiarisation visit to the FRSC Cross River sector command.

Ms Nwala emphasised the importance of effective collaboration between the two agencies, noting that road transportation remained critical to customs operations, particularly for moving goods and conducting enforcement activities.

“Road transportation remains essential to our operations, especially in the movement of goods and the conduct of enforcement activities. Effective communication and cooperation between our agencies will contribute to safer roads, improved operational efficiency, and the smooth movement of legitimate commerce,” she said.

Ms Nwala said the visit was aimed at strengthening existing relationships, improving communication channels, and identifying areas of mutual interest in the discharge of their respective statutory responsibilities.

Ms Nwala added that closer cooperation would strengthen both agencies’ ability to address operational challenges and promote a secure and efficient transportation system. She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration in line with the comptroller-general of customs’ strategic framework of collaboration, consolidation and innovation.

“We remain committed to working with the FRSC and other relevant agencies to strengthen institutional partnerships and promote effective service delivery,” Ms Nwala said.

FRSC sector commander Innocent Etuk commended the customs controller for the visit.

Mr Etuk said, ‘’The sector is open to anything that will engender meaningful development for the people and society in general.’’

(NAN)