The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has urged Nigerians to prioritize the construction of local vessels as a strategic move to enhance international trade and support the maritime industry. Adeniyi made this call on Thursday during the Annual Finance Conference organized by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) in collaboration with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) in Lagos.
Represented by Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Command, Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of vessels in facilitating efficient international trade. He noted that with the current scarcity of foreign larger vessels, there is a pressing need to focus on developing smaller, locally constructed vessels.
Adeniyi highlighted the importance of supporting vessel construction within the country, stating that it is vital for the growth and sustainability of the maritime industry. He pointed out that the introduction of barge operations by the Customs Service has already contributed to easing cargo movement, creating a significant investment opportunity in the maritime sector.
“We should look inwards, particularly at this time when we are experiencing scarce resources. Mr. President is encouraging us to promote homegrown technology and move forward,” Adeniyi said. “We need to appreciate locally constructed vessels. We don’t need to wait until we build bigger vessels to demonstrate our expertise. Starting with smaller vessels, the low-hanging fruits, is a practical and necessary step.”
The Customs CG’s call aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader initiative to encourage local innovation and reduce reliance on foreign resources, especially in critical sectors like maritime.