By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Navy have joined forces to suppress waterway smuggling in Lagos.
Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye of the NCS Western Marine Command visited the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan, on Tuesday, seeking support in tackling smuggling within the waterways.
“We are here for consolidation. The FOC has promised us so many things, and they are even ready to release their boats,” Bamisaiye said, adding to the existing synergy between the two agencies.
On tackling smuggling, Bamisaiye stated, “We are unrelenting in suppressing smuggling… We will match force with them. We are ready, and even with the promise from the FOC, we know that we are good to go.”
Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan acknowledged the role of Customs in Nigeria’s blue economy, saying, “When the Western Marine Command tops its job, the sky is the limit.”
He proposed a joint patrol to combat smuggling, saying, “We will collaborate and make sure we bring smuggling to an end in Lagos.”