The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SERC) has expressed concern over the rising volume of illicit drugs intercepted at Nigeria’s seaports, warning that international drug trafficking syndicates are increasingly exploiting the country’s maritime gateways.
According to the group’s mid-year Maritime Security and Blue Economy Bulletin, 109.3 tonnes of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of over ₦45 billion were seized at Nigerian seaports in the first half of 2026 by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
SERC noted that while the seizures demonstrate improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration among security agencies, they also expose the growing threat posed by transnational organised crime.
The organisation warned that the continued use of Nigerian ports for drug trafficking could damage the country’s international trade reputation, increase cargo inspections, delay port operations and discourage foreign investment.
To address the challenge, SERC called for intelligence-led enforcement, including the deployment of AI-driven cargo profiling, wider use of non-intrusive cargo scanners, improved container tracking systems, stronger inter-agency collaboration and the full implementation of the National Single Window to enhance information sharing and risk management.
