Navy capable, knowledgeable to maintain NCS fleet of vessels - CG Adeniyi

By Abiodun OBA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says the Nigerian Navy has the capacity and knowledge to maintain its fleet of vessels.

The NCS Comptroller General, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, who so confirmed in a statement in Lagos on Saturday, assured that the collaboration would enable the NCS to maintain its presence in Nigeria’s territorial waters against smugglers.

Adeniyi, who visited the Naval Dockyard in Lagos, said, “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.

“I have seen and marvelled at the capacity that exists here in the Naval Dockyard, and we believe that we can tap into that capacity and enter into some agreement with you so that you can manage the maintenance of our fleets”.

Adeniyi stressed that fortifying the NCS presence in Nigeria’s coastal waters would reduce smuggling activities to the barest minimum.

“If we block the land borders effectively and do not maintain a very strong presence in our territorial waters, smugglers will take advantage.

“So, we also need to fortify and enhance our presence to check those who may want to try smuggling through our waters,” he said.

Responding, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Naval Dockyard Ltd., Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, maintained that the Naval Dockyard had a significant role in vessel maintenance, repairs, and even shipbuilding.

“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.

“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,” he assured.