Maritime
2022: INERTIA IN THE MARITIME SECTOR BAD OMEN FOR NIGERIA
For Nigeria to overcome the lingering inertia in the maritime sector, government must decisively address the foreign exchange question, neglect of eastern ports, crude oil theft and other matters. Foremost maritime lawyer, Chief EMMANUEL OSUALA NWAGBARA stated this in a chat with IZUCHUKWU OZOEMENA.
Q: As 2022 rushes to end, the persistent inertia in Nigeria’s maritime sector remains a huge worry. What’s your take?
Ans: What happens globally affects Nigeria because she’s a member of the comity of nations. Whether we like it or not, the Russia/Ukraine conflict has a debilitating effect on the global economy including the economy of countries outside Eastern Europe including Nigeria.
In Nigeria, we see that there is a scarcity of foreign exchange right now; the economy is not smiling. This is complicated by government’s failure to take advantage of certain aspects of the implications of the war in Eastern Europe. For instance, while other countries are increasing their crude oil supply at least to meet their OPEC quota, Nigeria has lost on her quota from about 1.8mbd to less than 900mbd as we speak. Nigeria has failed to take advantage of the rise in demand for oil occasioned by the war. Therefore, Nigeria is not doing well in generating forex. That means her economy gets a harder hit with what is happening in Eastern Europe. The cost of importation has also risen. Since Nigeria is not able to take advantage of the war to increase her OPEC quota and is therefore losing revenue, she is spending so much borrowing to finance her imports. Importers are not able to import and this impacts on businesses in the maritime sector.
So, a port that should be bubbling with activities if we had all the forex to import is virtually empty because Nigerians now have to source their forex from the autonomous market which is very expensive.
Another way to look at the inertia in the maritime sector is the failure of the NPA to develop the eastern ports and work with the Navy to ensure security in the eastern ports area. NPA has refused to deepen the channel in the eastern flank. That would have been an opportunity for business boom. Even with low imports into Nigeria, many vessels still queue outside Lagos ports. That will not happen if the eastern ports were given attention and many of the vessels diverted there to discharge and pick cargo. Because of that, there’s no movement or business from the eastern ports to Lagos or vice versa. Even with the vessels that queue up, export business is not booming. Many of our exports go bad before reaching the ports because the access roads are clustered. If NPA is truthful, nothing stops it from diverting all exports to Onne Port which still measures 14+ metres draught.
If a vessel like Lady Jane that came in last April will take about 600 containers of agro products for exports, it means if NPA dedicated Onne Port for exports, there will be lots of movement. It means other interests will come in to invest in the waterways so that containers can go from Lagos to Onne, Port Harcourt, Calabar, etc. There will be more push from NPA and security agencies to collaborate for security on the waterways at all times.
Q: Federal Government is yet to convince all that politics is not the main reason the eastern ports are still suffering neglect. Do you agree?
Ans: When you refuse to do what you should do to spread development, it is likely to have a political undertone. Let us starve this section of the country of development. That is what we are saying that should not exist in Nigeria’s maritime sector because it’s all negative when you fail to do the right thing. If the economy is smiling because the eastern ports are busy, it means less restiveness from that area.
It is wrong political decisions by regulatory agencies that are keeping the economy down. Politics should not be brought into businesses that create development. Port development is strictly commerce. It is better Nigeria develops all ports as any city with a port has no business with poverty. We should not bring politics to ports development.
Q: Is it right that instead of adequately empowering security agencies to protect oil pipelines, government is contracting the job to non-state actors?
Ans: It is an acceptance by government that confidence in the security agencies has been eroded. This means self-indictment. Why should that be? I do not share the idea that locals should be excluded from protecting our national assets such as oil pipelines and installations that pass through their territory. What we need is a healthy relationship between the security agencies and the indigenes. Government should do everything possible to promote good livelihood of the locals so as to earn their cooperation with the security agencies to protect the oil installations. Government should go back to the drawing board, look at positions people have taken over what is happening to the oil pipelines and address the issues holistically. Various organizations in the locality should work with security agencies to ensure that the pipelines are protected.
Maritime Agencies
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Ltd (TSSL), the company in charge of security surveillance over oil and gas installations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is in collaboration with Textron Systems Corporation, a United States–based defence and aerospace company, to supply her three advanced Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
TSSNL owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) disclosed the business deal in her website publication of December 29, 2025. The drones will be delivered in a fully ITAR-Free configuration.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 is designed to operate without runways, utilising hybrid quadrotor technology that enables vertical takeoff and landing, as well as fixed-wing flight.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS, Textron Systems says, is a mature, industry-proven autonomous platform known for its high reliability and operational flexibility. Its dual-mode capability allows it to operate seamlessly in complex and high-risk environments, making it well-suited for security operations within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Giving further insight into the contract, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems, David Phillips, said the deployment would significantly enhance Tantita’s operational capability.
”The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a proven solution that will enable Tantita Security Services to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity,” he stated.
The Aerosonde platform has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours across some of the world’s most challenging operating environments, underscoring its reliability and performance.
Tantita Security Services is expected to deploy the systems to strengthen surveillance and protection of critical oil and gas assets across Nigeria.
The contract also includes options for operator training and the supply of additional aircraft to support future capability expansion. Textron Systems noted that the agreement builds on a previous Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to Nigeria, further highlighting its ongoing commitment to supporting Nigerian security operations.
Textron Systems is a global leader in uncrewed air, land and sea systems, with the Aerosonde family of UAS currently supporting international customers and operations aboard more than 10 U.S. Navy ships. The company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), a diversified multinational with interests spanning aviation, defence, industrial manufacturing and finance.
With multiple payload configurations and comprehensive training and support services, the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS offers a versatile and efficient solution for security operations in demanding environments, reinforcing Tantita Security Services’ role in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.
Maritime Agencies
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate a brand new year, the pioneer maritime journalists’ group, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), has implored the entire business community, especially maritime industry stakeholders, to join the association afresh in advancing the cause of the industry to ensure more impact and relevance in the national economy in the new year and beyond.
In a New Year message, MARAN Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele described 2026 as a “year of greater impact,” stressing the need for improved service delivery and more robust maritime reportage to support national development.
According to him, the collective efforts of stakeholders in the outgoing year contributed positively to the growth of the maritime sector, urging all parties to sustain the spirit of unity and collaboration in the new year.
“United, we can make Nigeria proud by contributing our quota to national development, each from our own little corner,” the MARAN chairman said.
Ayodele reaffirmed MARAN’s readiness to collaborate with organisations and institutions across the maritime value chain, noting that such partnerships are crucial to making Nigeria’s maritime space one that is admired and celebrated.
He expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support extended to the association throughout 2025 and called for renewed commitment in the year ahead.
“Thank you for your cooperation and support in 2025. Let us do it again in 2026,” he added.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the ongoing efforts to thwart economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, Tantita Security Services Ltd, the firm engaged in pipeline surveillance operations in the oil -rich region, has nabbed four suspected oil thieves, intercepting their vessel named MT Thor. Suspects are to undergo trial for economic sabotage .
Speaking at the handover of the suspects at Koko Port, Tantita’s Executive Director of Operations, Capt Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally-sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.
The interception occurred on 15 December 2025, around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State, says a situation report made available by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft.
The report stated that Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting MT Thor, allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means.
It was further alleged that the vessel was being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal investigation, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited. Investigation officers disclosed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.
“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation.
“On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko. The team first met at Tantita’s corporate headquarters in Warri for a briefing, which was also attended by the jetty owner.
“During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location by security operatives.
“While awaiting the vessel’s arrival, the team inspected other containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.
“MT Thor eventually berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on 16 December, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling and other procedures until the following day. As of 17 December 2025, investigators were reported to be en route to Koko to continue sample collection and complete investigation formalities,” the report read.
Receiving the suspects, the Head of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.
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Customs3 weeks agoTincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.