The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is stepping up maritime security as the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Enforcement, Investigation, and Inspection, DCG Timi Bomodi, inspected a newly acquired fleet of patrol boats in Port Harcourt.
The inspection, held at SeWa West Africa Ltd, was conducted alongside the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Eastern Marine Command, Comptroller Anderson Jaja.
The visit focused on finalising operational requirements ahead of the immediate deployment of the patrol boats to enhance surveillance and enforcement across Nigeria’s waterways.
According to a press release issued on 2 February 2026 by Deputy Superintendent of Customs Joshua Iliya, on behalf of the CAC, the acquisition of these vessels is part of NCS’s broader modernisation drive aimed at strengthening enforcement capacity and safeguarding critical maritime trade routes.
During the inspection, DCG Bomodi highlighted the Service’s commitment to leveraging modern assets and strategic partnerships to ensure sustainable maritime operations.
“The effective deployment of these boats is a priority for the Service. By combining state-of-the-art equipment with rigorous training and dedicated infrastructure, we are significantly elevating our capacity to combat smuggling and secure our maritime domain,”
Bomodi also emphasised the importance of structured collaboration with SeWa West Africa Ltd, focusing on specialised training, standardised operational protocols, infrastructure development, and technical support for the establishment of a dedicated NCS operational base in Port Harcourt.
Iliya noted that the delegation also inspected the proposed base, which will serve as the primary hub for the patrol boats, enabling faster response times and more efficient monitoring of maritime activities.
Comptroller Jaja praised the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, for prioritising maritime security through strategic asset acquisition.
“We appreciate the leadership of the CGC for this initiative. Once deployed, these patrol boats will significantly strengthen the surveillance and enforcement capabilities of the Eastern Marine Command,” he stated, affirming the Command’s readiness to maximise the operational benefits of the new fleet.
The new patrol boats are expected to enhance the NCS’s ability to protect maritime trade routes, curb smuggling, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s Eastern maritime corridor.