Nigeria Unveils Homegrown Airboat to Combat Smuggling

To enhance maritime security and combate smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) have successfully tested a locally built airboat. The airboat, designed and constructed in Nigeria, was put through its paces at Jabi Lake in Abuja.

Officials from the NCS and DRDB were on hand to inspect the vessel and witness its test run.

The airboat is specifically designed to navigate shallow and hard-to-reach waterways, making it an invaluable asset in the fight against smuggling. Its unique capabilities will enable the NCS to expand its reach and effectiveness in combating illicit activities.

The successful test of the airboat is a testament to Nigeria's growing capacity for indigenous innovation and technological development.

National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (ACC), Abdullahi Maiwada (PhD), on Monday stated that the collaboration between the NCS and DRDB demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening maritime security and protecting the nation's borders.

Speaking during the exercise, Comptroller Haniel Haddison, who oversees Special Duties at NCS Headquarters, hailed the innovation as a milestone in indigenous technology, emphasising its role in advancing anti-smuggling efforts and capacity building.

"This is a welcome idea for the Nigeria Customs Service and we commend the efforts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to ensure that we add value in our equipment," he said.

He continues, "This is a very good collaboration and that is what the Comptroller-General of Customs stands for - Synergy and Collaboration with sister agencies, particularly as it relates to capacity building. This will add value to the competency and capability of the Nigeria Customs Service".

Director of Maritime, Research and Development at the DRDB, Rear Admiral Suleiman El-Ladan highlighted the significance of inter-agency collaboration in strengthening maritime security.

He noted that partnerships such as this were crucial to addressing evolving threats.

The exercise ended on a symbolic note, as the Director General of the Defence Research and Development Bureau presented souvenirs to the two senior Customs officers in recognition of their participation and commitment.

Read the original article on Daily Trust.