Maritime Agencies
BOAT MISHAPS: Training Key To Overcoming the Menace, NIWA Insists
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Saturday, March 9, 2024, the Lagos Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) mobilized what an industry watcher has described as the highest number, in recent times, of boat captains and deck hands invited to join hands with the waterways regulator to deliberate and fashion out how best to address a nagging matter: frequent boat mishaps. The well-attended gathering was for operators from Zone A comprising Badagry, Tincan and Ijegun area.
It was a no-holds- barred engagement. Boat operators – irrespective of status – were offered unfettered opportunity devoid of any encumbrances to air their views on the issue of safety at sea. Boat drivers and deck hands who ordinarily would feel shy saying the truth in the presence of their bosses and the regulator were encouraged to speak out while their employers were urged to freely accommodate candid views from their subordinates for the sole purpose of achieving safety on the inland waterways, going forward.
In his opening remarks, NIWA Managing Director, Hon Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji represented by the Manager, Lagos Area Office, Engr (Dr) Sarat Braimah, urged all present to see the day’s engagement as a free thing designed to take a serious look at reasons boat mishaps persist on Lagos waters despite all measures the agency has put in place to curtail or even eradicate it. Have people been failing in roles they play or are supposed to play to curb the menace? What are the problems of captains, deck hands, passengers, government regulators and any other stakeholder? How are these to be realistically tackled to collectively offer a reliable platform to address incidents of boat mishaps in the Lagos area? Are there things the regular is yet to do to solve this nagging issue? Are there fresh ideas and suggestions that can help out?
For captains, Engr Braimah reeled out a number of competencies and skills they must not do without. Prominent among these is proficiency in swimming. How many of them can swim during emergencies? She requested those among this group who cannot swim to willingly show up to be trained by NIWA since they are the first line of help to passengers should there be a boat mishap.
“Today is not a day to blame anybody but a time to open up on reasons for frequent boat accidents.”
To her, training for all category of boat handlers remains a constant factor that must never be overlooked because it exposes the trainee to all rudiments, activities and processes he must be familiar with to ensure safety of all on a boat.
Last two incidents in Banana Island, Lagos, she explained, were caused by captains who left the channel and drove to the shore. The second incident occurred because the captain of the boat involved in was struggling with another boat in a speed competition. Speed competition on water? For what purpose?
“Training, training, training is compulsory. I know it’s difficult to get money in Nigeria today. But you must suffer yourself and struggle to pay to get training. Please starve yourself to get trained. If you don’t have your boat captain’s licence, you can’t be on the waterways.”
She emphasized that training would have exposed the boat captains to know when and how to move to the shore or the implications of boats competing for speed especially in a marine environment fraught with uncertainties.
Among their complaints, the boat drivers complained of meagre payments that cannot sustain them.
They requested NIWA to reduce the fees for training to enable them afford it. Reacting, Engr Braimah encouraged them to imbibe the habit of saving to raise the money, realizing the implications of not getting trained on their job.
“You can’t sit down in your house and learn”.
Corroborating Engr Braimah’s stand, Saka Stephen, a boat captain, confirmed that training is very important as it offers needed skills in navigation, weather reading, how to mount ropes, among other skills. Training, Stephen emphasized, cannot be compromised.
In his intervention, Comrade Friday Essien appealed to NIWA to streamline the cost of her licence with the one from NIMASA which, he stated, is cheaper.
Prominent among causes of boat mishaps, the operators said, is the physical condition and old age of boats. There are those of fibre, wood and others with holes which continuously battle with uncertainties which include water streaming in during voyage.
There is also the presence of wrecks majorly caused by people who throw all kinds of junks into the water. In most cases, these wrecks are not visible and cannot be sighted by captains and drivers. They appealed that these be identified and promptly removed as boats don’t have what it takes to detect or remove them from the channel.
Exchanging views with the press after the well-attended event, Engr Braimah advised captains and boat drivers to always cool down to know the rights and wrongson the waterways.
We have told them that they should not sail at night.
“Actually, I can say that 80% of night sailing is not in Lagos. We have told them why they should let us have information whenever they see any wrecks on the waterways so that these can be removed immediately. Some of these wrecks are caused by dredgers. We know all dredgers on the inland waterways. We will call to tell them what to do with the wrecks.”
Speaking on boat seaworthiness, she announced that henceforth, NIWA intensify quarterly inspections to ensure boats are seaworthy.
“Before now, all Ikorodu boats have been inspected. The ones qualified for now are allowed to sail; those not qualified will not be allowed until they are refurbished. We are working with the Marine Police.”
Lately, maritime stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to consider offering loans to boat operators from the CVFF to enable them procure new boats and make repayments installmentally.
Aligning with this view, the Area Manager observed that most boats in use now are old even as most boat owners do not have the funds to buy new ones.
“Government has to come in maybe through forming cooperatives, to concretize arrangements so that it will not be easy to evade repayment if such loans are secured. To get a good boat is nothing less than N70K or N80 million, “she explained.
Braimah also reiterated the importance of lifebuoys which 6 or more passengers can hold on to so as to remain stable and avoid panic during an emergency.
To check overspeeding, NIWA has also instructed that speedometers be installed on boats at least for passengers to know when overspeeding is taking place.
Concerning cost of training, splitting the sum into 30 – 30% initial instalment payment and completing it before collecting the certificate gives a trainee a soft landing.
“I believe in training because there’s nothing you can learn or do even in the corridor of your house without experience acquired through training. How do you not have a licence and you want to drive a boat? It’s like being a doctor without going to school. Training is key; that’s what I have been telling the associations that it is better we work together and help ourselves.”
“They can’t be saying that N80,000 is too big for training. It’s not like they’re doing this training every year. It’s for three years. This money is paid once in three years.
NIWA, she stated, has zoned patrols to Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry axis.
“When they know that NIWA patrol is coming, they (boat drivers) will take caution. It’s just like Police being on the road. We have the personnel and that’s why we put ourselves in groups. For instance, in the Lagos Area Office, we’re almost 50 staff plus the Marine Police and the Joint Task Force (JTF).
In his submission earlier, Emmanuel Prowess, a trainer and Licenced Life Guard at Landmark Beach took time to dwell on the importance of life jacket. He urged captains, deck hands and drivers to always check and wear their life jackets while on water.
“Develop the habit of putting your life jacket on before asking passengers to do same. Have excess for passengers and always wash and clean them. To earn the commitment and good conduct of boat drivers, captains and boat owners must provide reasonable incentives to make them happy.”
Concerning boat inspection survey, it is mandatory, the trainer said, that captains inspect and ascertain the readiness of boat engines before navigation. Driving at a cautious speed, he said, enables the boat overcome waves and other natural occurrences.
Passenger loading must not exceed the specific number approved for the boat.
On rescue operation, he said the captain who must possess sound swimming experience should take the lead.
“Knowledge is important. Knowing how to swim places him (the captain) in a position to secure himself and be able to save the passengers.
“When your boat begins to take in water, take it towards the shore. At the jetty, your engine must be on stand-by.
Speed control is very important. An old engine cannot run at its maximum speed: the younger, the faster and better.”
He explained that captains must be conversant with the geography of their areas of operation so as not to infringe on the rights of fishermen and others that maritime laws permit to ply their trade on water. Their fishing nets must not be unduly tampered with. Similarly, dredgers and their equipments have rights that must not be violated.
When approaching a jetty, Emmanuel Prowess counselled, captains must not allow passengers disembark immediately until he secures and anchors the vessel. Before take-off too, all passengers must be secure and settled in the boat. Passenger manifest is a must.
Engr Sarat Braimah implored captains and boat drivers to promptly report to NIWA the presence of wrecks, dredgers, pipes,etc on the channel for necessary action. She distributed dedicated phone numbers for this purpose.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
To underscore the importance of public-private collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd has procured 15 new gun boats, handing over seven and eight to the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy respectively.
The commissioning ceremony which took place, Thursday, at the Nigerian Navy Boatyard in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, featured military officials, representatives of Tantita Security Services Ltd and other dignitaries.
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd is a private security company with headquarters in Effurun, Delta State. It specializes in protecting Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure through pipeline protection, paramilitary escort, and advanced surveillance operations.
The vessels are expected to enhance joint operations against oil theft, piracy, and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the event, officials emphasized that the deployment of these gun boats will strengthen surveillance, rapid response and deterrence against criminal activities threatening national economic assets.
Nigeria’s maritime domain has long been vulnerable to illegal bunkering, smuggling and piracy. By equipping both the Army and Navy with modern gun boats, Tantita Security Services aims to reinforce the military’s operational readiness and ensure safer navigation for commercial and civilian vessels.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has been asked to always stick to the tenets of professionalism, ethical journalism and balanced reportage within the maritime sector.
Prince Segun Oduntan, Vice President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) gave the charge, Wednesday, while receiving the new MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde and members of his executive council during a courtesy visit.
Pledging support for the new leadership of the premier maritime reporters group, Oduntan described the emergence of the new MARAN leadership as a significant opportunity to reposition the association and restore confidence in maritime journalism.
He encouraged the new executive to remain focused on promoting unity, integrity and responsible journalism.
According to him, the maritime media plays a critical role in shaping narratives within the industry and must therefore avoid sensationalism, blackmail and unverified reports capable of damaging reputations and institutions.
Journalists , Oduntan stressed, should always prioritize truth, fairness and professionalism in carrying out their responsibilities.
He noted that the credibility of journalism depends largely on the ability of practitioners to maintain ethical standards and resist external pressures capable of compromising their judgment.
The ANLCA Vice President also expressed concern over the gradual decline in investigative and developmental journalism within the maritime sector, recalling a time when newspapers and industry publications were respected for credible and impactful reporting.
He urged MARAN members to work towards rebuilding that standard and changing negative perceptions surrounding the profession.
Oduntan further advised the association to guard against internal divisions and unhealthy rivalry, warning that leadership positions often come with disagreements and distractions.
He, however, encouraged the executive to remain committed to collective progress and institutional development.
“Leadership requires patience, wisdom and the ability to accommodate differing opinions. You may not have everybody on the same page, but what is important is to remain focused on the vision and move the association forward,” he stated.
The ANLCA Vice President also cautioned journalists against allowing themselves to be used as instruments for personal or political battles, insisting that responsible journalism must be guided by facts and objectivity.
He pledged to support the new MARAN leadership in its efforts to reposition the association and promote a healthier relationship between maritime journalists and industry stakeholders.
Responding, MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, appreciated Oduntan for his encouragement, advice and commitment towards supporting the association.
He assured the ANLCA Vice President that the new executive would prioritize ethical journalism, professionalism and constructive engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The courtesy visit formed part of MARAN’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders aimed at strengthening industry collaboration and advancing professionalism within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Maritime Agencies
Tincan Customs, NDLEA Promise Hard Times for Drug Peddlers, Seize N16,694bn worth of Cannabis Indica .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised an alarm on the desperation of criminal networks bent on using the ports to push dangerous substances into Nigeria, insisting that no effort would be spared to stop them.
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), made the call at the Tincan Port, Wednesday, while handing over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) a major interception made through intelligence and collaboration barely two weeks a similar incident took place.
”This tells us two things. First, criminal networks are still desperate to use our ports to push dangerous substances into the country. Second, and more importantly, it shows that our officers and sister security agencies are alert, focused, and fully committed to stopping them.”
He announced that acting on credible intelligence gathered jointly by the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA, officers of the Enforcement unit intercepted and subjected a 1x40ft container with number HAMU 247034/8 to a thorough physical examination.
”Consequently, the container which also originated from Canada, just like the previous one was found to contain 8,347 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing a total of 4,173.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of N16,694,000,000 (Sixteen Billion, Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Million Naira).”
Comptroller Onyeka described the latest interception as unique and commended the vigilance and professionalism of Customs officers and partner agencies who ensured that the consignment will not get to the streets.
”This is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardize National Security, endanger lives and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young and women of our country. Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, the consignment will not get to the streets.”
Reassuring that his Command is prepared to confront and defeat illicit importations at all times, he stated: “Let me assure Nigerians that this Command is not relenting. If anything, recent events have strengthened our resolve. We will continue to intensify surveillance, deepen intelligence gathering, and sustain our collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies to ensure more interceptions are made”.
”We are also determined to go beyond seizures. Those behind these shipments will be identified, traced, arrested, and prosecuted. Let me also clearly warn any insider collaborators aiding these criminal activities: the Command will not spare anyone found compromising national security for personal gain. No matter how long it takes, such individuals will be tracked down and dealt with according to the law.”
He appreciated the Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (rtd) for the successful partnership agreement reached in the interest of National Security and the fight against illicit activities.
”This development is a clear demonstration of the commitment of both agencies towards strengthening inter-agency collaboration and Intelligence-sharing.”
”The message today is simple and clear: we are watching, we are working, and we will continue to frustrate every attempt to use our ports for illegal importation,” Comptroller Onyeka concluded.
Accepting the 4,173.5kg of cannabis indica on behalf of the NDLEA Chairman, ACG Archieabia Ibinabo Ogboba described the event as auspicious because Nigeria is being defended from what she called the daring and wicked activities of criminal merchants who are more concerned with profiteering than with the lives, health, and wellbeing of innocent citizens.
”It is indeed an epoch-making event as the NDLEA formally takes over from the Nigeria Customs Service, prohibited weeds which have tested positive for Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 4,173.5kg, alongside vehicles used as conveyances for the illicit drugs.”
” These exhibits shall proceed through the necessary legal processes for final forfeiture in accordance with the law. The seizure is humongous, a total of 4,173.5kg of Cannabis Indica worth over 10.4 billion in street value. The interception of this large cache of illicit substances by the Nigerian security architecture at the seaports is highly commendable.”
She commended gallant officers who serve as effective and patriotic gatekeepers in ensuring the safety and security of the maritime corridors.
Mrs Ibinabo Ogboba applauded the professionalism, resilience, and dedication displayed by the cooperating sister agencies, especially the NPA, NCS and other security organizations during the joint examination through which the substances were recovered from the targeted container.
”The marine intelligence unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working in close collaboration with our foreign partners particularly the Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police diligently and tenaciously monitored the movement and trail of this particular consignment for over two to three months.”
The criminals, Ogboba explained, intended to distort and frustrate the law from monitoring their deadly container by having multiple layers of movement.
”They did this by subjecting the container through several routes, the container originated from Toronto by truck on 28/3/2026, through the rails to Montreal, before it was loaded on board vessel Jakarta Express Voyage, from Montreal. It arrived Tanger Med Port on 15/4/2026, where it was discharged and reloaded on vessel Osaka Voyage and arrived Tincan seaports on the 9/5/2026.”
”Permit me to state that the unwavering commitment, intelligence-sharing, and operational synergy displayed, ultimately culminated in this remarkable feat and successful interception.
”This achievement once again demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency international cooperation, intelligence-driven collaboration, and operations in combating transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking. As showcased in the recent seizures of Cannabis Indica that weighed 4,729kg on the 27th April 2026 and another 610.5kg on the 30th April 2026.”
”The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the able leadership of our visionary and indefatigable leader, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) CON remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in its mandate to rid our society of narcotic substances and protect the future of our nation. This further buttress the importance of the renewed MOU signed between the NCS and NDLEA recently. The results are obvious. We shall continue to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Port Authority and all Security Agencies to continually disrupt, defeat, and dismantle these nefarious activities, while ensuring the safety of our maritime domain for legitimate trade, tourism, and national prosperity.”
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