By Olubunmi ISIOPHKE, Lagos
In view of the inherent benefits and results in strategic collaborative efforts, the Nigeria Customs Service has taken a step further to deepen collaboration between the Service and the Nigerian Navy to maintain its presence in Nigeria’s territorial waters against smugglers.
This information was disclosed by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on a courtesy visit to Naval Dockyard in Lagos.
The Customs boss stated that the Nigerian Navy has the capacity and knowledge to maintain the NCS fleet of Vessels.
He asserted, “We don’t need to establish a vessel maintenance unit; it’s capital intensive, but we have an agency of government that has the knowledge, that has the capacity and there’s the willingness for them to assist us.”
The CGC added, “I have seen and marveled by the capacity that exists here in the Naval Dockyard and we believe that we could tap into that capacity and enter into some agreement with you so that you could manage the maintenance of our fleets.”
However, the Customs boss stressed that fortifying the NCS’ presence in Nigeria’s coastal waters will reduce smuggling activities to the barest minimum.
His words: “If we block the land borders effectively and do not maintain a very strong presence on our territorial waters, smugglers will take advantage, so we also need to fortify and enhance our presence to checkmate those who may want to try smuggling through our waters.”
In his response, the MD/CEO of Naval Dockyard Ltd., Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, said, “The Naval dockyard has a significant role in vessel maintenance, repairs and even Shipbuilding.”
He posited, “Naval dockyard is well poised to take advantage of situations like this, and we see the Nigeria Customs Service as a powerful ally of the Nigerian Navy.”
Rear Admiral Orederu, reassured, “The capacity is here and the excess capacity can be used to support other agencies, the larger maritime community and the shipping world as a whole.”
