By Kenneth Jukpor
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hammed Ali (Rtd) commissioned 18 new creek patrol boats built by an indigenous firm, SEWA in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Customs boss stated that the newly commissioned creek patrol boats would enhance Customs marine operations, even as it signals the end of smuggling activities on the waterways.
According to Ali, in-line with the government’s Local Content Act of 2017, NCS tapped into the ingenuity of a Nigerian Company, SEWA to design, construct and build these water crafts.
His words: “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 addition of these boats to the Service Marine arsenal at a time when more smugglers are running away from the heat on land to water is simply the right thing to do. This event no doubt marks the beginning of a renewed offensive against those who chose creeks and waterways as safe haven for their illegal trade.”
The 18 creeks patrol boats, consisting of 9 logistic support boats and 9 gun boats whose parts are armored, should send clear signals to the criminals that the game is up.
Meanwhile, the Customs boss noted that having boats with flat bottoms that can access the creeks even when the water has receded, give the Service more advantage in the war against smuggling on the waterways.
“As we commission these boats which will be deployed for the Southern waters, the Eastern and Western Marine Commands, I urge our Marine Operatives to use them judiciously in the interest of the nation. Let me state here that even with the best of working tools, NCS efforts will not yield maximum output, If Nigerians for which we work, do not give us 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,” he added.
