Anti-Smuggling: FEC Approves N20.1billion Contract To Puchase 427 Vehicles, 9 Gunboats for Nigerian Customs
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday has approved a total of N20,114,002871 worth of contract for the acquisition of various operational equipment for the Nigeria Customs Service in order to boost its anti-smuggling war.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed disclosed the approval to State House Correspondents after this week’s virtual FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking on the contract , the Minister said a total of 427 operational vehicles, worth N14.55 billion and nine assorted gunboats worth N5,564,002,871 were involved.
According to her, ‘’the Ministry also presented, on behalf of the Customs , a memo that sought for Council’s approval for the design, construction and supply of two NC36M patrol boats, in favour of Messrs of Boat Plus Limited, in the sum of N5,062,530,400, inclusive of 7.5% VAT with a delivery period of 12 months while the Council approved the request’’.
She said the Ministry likewise presented a memo on behalf of the Customs , for the approval of Council for the design, construction and supply of seven fast assault patrol boats and seven regular patrol boats, in favour of Messrs Siwa West Africa Limited, in the sum of N501,472,471.08, inclusive of 7.5% VAT with a delivery period of eight weeks.
“We also presented, again on behalf of the Service, a request for Council’s approval, and council approved the procurement of 427 operational vehicles for the Customs operations in favour of various contractors in the combined sum of N14.55 billion, inclusive of 7.5% VAT with a delivery period of four weeks”, she said
Ahmed explained that the purpose of the purchase of the two types of patrol boats is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operations of the Service in its bid to control smuggling and also ensure enhanced efficiency in all customs duty operations in the Marine Unit of the Customs.
