Following MARAN’s Report, Customs Issues 40 Days Ultimatum For Repair, Restoration Of Abandoned Gunboats

Boosts Anti-Smuggling Activities With Two New Ocean-Going Vessels

By Babajide Okeowo

Following a comprehensive report by the foremost maritime beat association in the country over the multi-billion naira anti-smuggling security patrol boats currently rotting away at the Marina Lagos waterfronts, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a 40-day ultimatum to the management of the Western Marine Customs (WMC), alongside the agency’s ship consultant, Portplus Limited, to repair and return the two abandoned security vessels, Customs Pride and Group Of Nine to operations.

This is even as the Service disclosed that approval has been gotten for the acquisition of two new additional ocean-going vessels from Singapore to boost anti-smuggling activities in the country.

Comptroller Odaudu Salefu of the Western Marine Command of Customs made this known during an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos on Monday.

“I visited the vessel site to get first-hand information. And also, with the coming of the current Controller General of Customs, his first visit to Zone A was the two ocean-going vessels.

“I told the CG that I met the vessel stationary and it was not in good condition. Also, the managing director of Portplus explained that the vessels were stationary because the raider control, general system, fender were not operating,” he said.

Detailing Adeniyi’s interest in repositioning the marine command for enhanced operations, Salefu disclosed that during the Ag. CGC’s tour of the Lagos commands, “The first place he visited was to inspect the two ocean-going vessels.

“We received him there as early as 7 a.m. and he asked questions on the state of the vessels. The consultant gave an outrageous cost when the CG asked what it would take to get the vessels operational in 30 to 40 days. Subsequently, the CG gave an order that the vessels should be operational within 40 days and I swiftly followed up with correspondence to Portplus.”

According to him, Portplus has now been re-awarded the contract to repair and return the two customs vessels in 40 days, “and the consultant has moved into action. Very soon, we’ll see our two ocean-going vessels sailing again.”

He further revealed that the NCS was spending about N23 million per year on the consultant for the maintenance of the vessels, judging by its 2021 fiscal request to the agency.

Meanwhile, according to NAN, Salefu noted that to ensure the smooth operation of the vessels, the CGC had sent personnel to Singapore for training to properly manage the vessels.

“As of today, I had gotten an order for training of officers. Portplus and the Navy have been asked to liaise with us to pick trained marines who were previously trained on floating and safety and assemble them for retraining.

“The CGC sent three personnel to Singapore in preparation for full taking over and receiving the vessel and we are compiling another list of personnel for another training either to Singapore or South Korea.

“Ever since the CGC came on board, marine is receiving the highest attention in terms of training,” he said.