Reps ask Customs to deploy modern technology in borders

The House of Representatives has called on the Nigeria Customs Service to deploy modern technology to secure the nation’s borders with neighbouring countries.

The call followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Awka North/Awka South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Obiageli Orogbu, at Thursday’s plenary.

Consequently, the House mandated “The Nigeria Customs Service to beef up the nation’s border security with modern technological gadgets.”

It also directed its Committees on National Security and Intelligence and Customs and Excise to interface with the relevant agencies of the executive arm, to ensure implementation and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

Leading the debate, Orogbu said there were over 320 illegal routes into Nigeria.

“The routes serve as horrendous channels for the influx of inadmissible aliens and goods. Nigeria at the moment lacks sufficient security personnel to safeguard the existing illegal routes across the borders.

“These unmanned routes provide avenues for insecurity, proliferation of arms, and dumping of unwholesome goods into the country;

“The porous borders have provided an impetus to the thriving drug and human trafficking routes all over the country.”

Justifying the significance of the motion, the Labour Party chieftain noted that, “Border policing has since shifted from the mundane use of only human beings to the deployment of sophisticated electronic-based equipment for potency.

“The deployment of technologies like electronic sensors, video monitors, and night vision scopes to detect illegal entries has proved more effective in Western countries than human security.

“Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones and dark fighter cameras are available to further enhance border controls.”

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