In a major boost to Nigeria’s maritime security and a testament to indigenous technological prowess, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) have jointly tested a groundbreaking, locally-built airboat. The high-profile test, conducted on the tranquil waters of Jabi Lake, Abuja, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and enhance operational capacity on its waterways.
The custom-built vessel, ingeniously designed to navigate shallow and hard-to-reach creeks and waterways, was the star of the show as top officials from both agencies inspected and took it for a spin. Experts present at the demonstration enthusiastically highlighted the airboat’s unique capabilities, noting its potential to become a formidable asset in Nigeria’s security arsenal. This innovative piece of equipment is seen as a game-changer for Nigerian security forces, particularly in areas previously inaccessible to conventional patrol boats.
Comptroller Haniel Haddison, who oversees Special Duties at the NCS Headquarters, could not hide his excitement. Speaking to a crowd of journalists, he described the innovation as a “milestone in indigenous technology.” Comptroller Haddison, a veteran of customs operations, praised the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his relentless push to acquire and develop cutting-edge equipment for the service. “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 stated emphatically.
Comptroller Haddison further emphasized the spirit of cooperation driving this initiative. “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.” This statement underscores a strategic shift towards inter-agency cooperation as a core pillar of national security. The partnership between NCS and DRDB is a prime example of how government agencies can pool resources and expertise to achieve shared goals. The successful test of the airboat demonstrates the practical benefits of such synergy.
Rear Admiral Suleiman El-Ladan, the Director of Maritime Research and Development at the DRDB, echoed Comptroller Haddison’s sentiments. He stressed the immense significance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s complex maritime security challenges. According to Rear Admiral El-Ladan, partnerships like this are absolutely crucial for tackling evolving threats posed by smugglers and other criminal elements on the high seas and inland waterways. He noted that the joint development and testing of this vessel is a clear signal to smugglers that their days of exploiting hard-to-reach areas are numbered.
The locally-developed airboat, sources say, is powered by a high-performance engine and a large propeller, allowing it to glide over shallow water, mud, and even land for short distances. This unique design gives it an unprecedented advantage in pursuing smugglers who often use small, nimble boats to escape into creeks and swamps where larger government vessels cannot follow. The successful trial run at Jabi Lake proves its viability and effectiveness in a controlled environment, paving the way for its deployment in the real world. Experts believe that with this new capability, the NCS will be better equipped to monitor and patrol Nigeria’s vast network of creeks and coastal areas, significantly disrupting illicit trade routes and smuggling syndicates.
The collaborative exercise ended on a high note, with the Director General of the Defence Research and Development Bureau presenting souvenirs to Comptroller Haniel Haddison and another senior customs official in attendance, in a touching gesture of recognition for their participation and unwavering commitment to the project. This symbolic act sealed the bond between the two agencies, promising a future of continued collaboration and shared success. The event was not just about testing a new vessel; it was about forging a stronger, more unified front against the enemies of the state.
This indigenous innovation is a shining example of what Nigeria can achieve when its institutions work together. The airboat project is expected to inspire more homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges, reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign technology. With continued investment in research and development, and a strong emphasis on inter-agency collaboration, Nigeria is well on its way to building a more secure and prosperous future. This initiative is a win for national security, a win for economic stability, and a win for Nigerian ingenuity.
