Safe Waterways: Customs, NIWA to synergize
The National Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA) and the Nigeria Customs Service would synergize as a way to further enhance safety on the nation’s waterways with a view to boosting the economy of the country.
Comptroller Oduadu Salefu of the Western Marine Customs Command requested NIWA safety protocol cover and engineering support to the Customs Marine Corps so as to deliver its mandate and check revenue leakages.
Making the request when he visited the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr Sarat Braimah, on Thursday, the controller said that he wanted his men on water to operate within the best safety standards.
Compt. Salefu believes NIWA as regulator can brush up and even help the command to take a second look at its boat engines, to avoid incidents of breakdowns in the middle of the waterways.
He further urged the NIWA Area Manager to assist in enthroning a joint patrol with NIWA police, noting that deep self-discipline and respect for extant regulations will be robustly marshalled to change compliance narratives particularly on Badagry to Seme waters, adjudged as a difficult and porous route for bursting alleged smuggling activities.
“I am aware that something needs to give way here and I request your office to help us understand this Badagry Seme route, so can properly access what is happening there, and to ensure goods in transit are captured for Customs duties,” he added.
Receiving the visitor, Engr. Braimah said NIWA in Lagos is open to collaboration, to help sanitize activities on water transportation on Lagos waterways.
“We shall assist you in the area of safety awareness and education and every other possible way that can make your assignment easy,” she promised.