Unlike before, we now have boats with flat bottoms that can access the creeks even when the water has receded’
By Uzor Odigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), commissioned 18 creek patrol vessels in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Speaking at the occasion, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.) said that the addition of those boats to the Service Marine arsenal at a time when more smugglers were running away from the heat on land to water was simply the right thing to do.
Ali noted that the event no doubt marked the beginning of a renewed offensive against those who chose creeks and waterways as safe haven for their illegal trade.
The Customs CG explained that 18 creeks patrol boats, consisting of 9 logistic support boats and 9 gunboats whose parts were armored, should send clear signals to the criminals that the game was up.
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“In-line with Executive Order on Local Content of 2017, NCS tapped into the ingenuity of a Nigerian Company, SEWA to design, construct and build these edifices. As you can see, these boats are not only built with our weather and circumstances in mind, they can compete with similar ones built anywhere in the world.
“The relationship between NCS and SEWA represents excellent examples of what Nigerians can achieve when we come together.
“I, therefore, commend SEWA for delivering on their promise and have no hesitation to recommend them to individuals or organizations that need what they are capable of producing,” the Customs CG said.
While pointing out that the boats being commissioned would be deployed to the Southern waters namely; the Eastern and Western Marine Commands, the CGC urged the Marine Operatives of the Service to use them judiciously in the interest of the nation.
The Customs CG however, stated that even with the best of working tools, NCS efforts would not yield maximum output, If Nigerians for which it worked for, do not give it needed cooperation.
“I, therefore, call on well-meaning individuals and organizations to give the Service credible information that will enable interception and seizures of smuggled items.
“To the members of the fourth estate of the realm, the media, I thank you for your continuous support and urge you not to relent on your valuable job of informing, educating and entertaining the public. Together, we will succeed,” the Customs GC concluded