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Western Marine Command: A New Era of Welfare-Driven Enforcement
By prince Benson Davies
The Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is prioritizing officers’ welfare and operational readiness to enhance its anti-smuggling efforts. Despite logistical challenges, the command has commenced the construction of modern hostels to improve officers’ living and working conditions.
According to Comptroller Patrick Odaudu Ntadi, the command’s leader, the move is part of a broader strategy to boost morale and operational efficiency. The command operates in challenging environments, with officers spending long hours at sea and navigating tough terrain with limited resources.
Despite these challenges, the WMC has recorded notable seizures of smuggled goods and maintained steady success in its anti-smuggling drive. Comptroller Ntadi attributed this success to the resilience of personnel and improved tactical deployment.
The command is also advocating for faster, flat-bottom boats that are more fuel-efficient and suitable for creek operations. Comptroller Ntadi praised the Comptroller-General of Customs for prioritizing officers’ welfare as a cornerstone of institutional reform.
The WMC’s proactive approach underscores the evolving posture of the NCS in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders and clamping down on illicit trade.
