Maritime Agencies
INLAND WATERWAYS SECURITY: China Urges Nigeria To Adopt Her Technology For Best Results.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Much as Nigeria cannot relegate to the background the human aspect in inland waterway operations, advanced monitoring and surveillance system remain the way to go to fully realize the country’s aims in this regard.
“There is need for our country to leverage on technologies such as satellite imagery, drones and sensors to enhance the ability to detect and respond to security threats real time. These tools not only help in preventing incidents but also assist in improving response time and minimizing the impact of any potential danger.”
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyga Oyetola disclosed this in Lagos, Thursday, in his keynote address at the Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting hosted by Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd. The event whose theme was “Security & New Technologies In Inland Waterways Transportation” brought together a cross-section of industry stakeholders, regulators and representatives of foreign nations with far-reaching experiences in managing inland waterways security and technology.
Speaking through Mrs Selia Ekanem, the Ministry’s Deputy Director, Cabotage and Shipping Development, the Minister underlined the need to train and equip the manpower in the industry with needed skills and knowledge to effectively utilize the technologies in reference as this is as crucial as implementing the tools themselves. He assured that as part of the roadmap for inland waterway transport development in Nigeria, government places premium on the need to stimulate and promote growth in the subsector for more efficiency, connectivity and reliability.
Government, he stressed, must focus on areas such as dredging key waterways, construction of new ports and terminals, improving navigational aids and safety measures, regulatory reforms, use of new technologies, etc. To achieve these, he promised, government will continue to work with her relevant agencies to overcome perceived challenges while aiming at achieving a robust and sustainable growth.
“Also, active private sector engagement, participation as well as investment in the sector will ensure the sustainability, safety and utilization of our inland waterways for the growth and development of our economy.”
He acknowledged the need for more work in the sector to ensure a more sustainable growth, pledging the readiness of government to work to meet expectations.
Speaking through Hajia Eri, an Assistant General Manager with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the regulatory agency’s Managing Director, Alhaji Munirudeen Oyebamiji stressed the need to sensitize stakeholders on global best standards in inland waterways operations.
Alhaji Munirudern Olabamiji, MD,
NIWA
He said that NIWA maintains a robust partnership with the Police, Immigration Services, among other security agencies to maintain security on the nation’s inland waterways.
In her presentation, the Chinese Consul-General, Ms. Yan Yuqing urged Nigeria to urgently adopt digitalization and intelligence as major tools to drive security and technology on her inland waterways transportation. These, she said, have consistently made the Changjiang River in China become the world’s busiest inland waterway transportation route, known for its high volume of traffic.
She noted that with a lot of similarities Nigeria shares with China in terms of important rivers, river-ports, expansive coastlines and seaports, the country stands a good stead to learn the trick of successful inland waterway transportation management and marine conservation.
“In 2022, China’s inland waterway transportation completed a freight volume of more than 4.4 billion tons and goods turnover of 1.9 trillion ton-kilometers, highlighting the significant support for the regional economic development and social progress.”
“In the sector, quality productivity forces are innovation-led, oppose damage to the ecological environment, promoting the low-carbonization of economic and social development, and the collaborative development of high-quality economic development and high-level protection of the environment.”
“Currently, China has established transportation links with more than 100 countries and regions in the world, and the size of the fleet owned by China’s shipping companies has reached 249.2 million gross tons, becoming the world’s largest shipowning nation in terms of gross tonnage. Waterway freight accounts for about 17% of the national freight volume, while its cargo turnover accounts for about 54% of the total turnover in the transportation system.”
“Maritime transportation handles about 95% of China’s foreign trade volume and plays a key role in maintaining the safety and stability of both international and domestic logistics supply chains,” she posited.
Some of the dignitaries at the April 18 Zoe Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting in Lagos.
She recalled that NIWA has mandated boat captains to undergo mandatory training sessions as a condition for certification.
While pointing out the high volume of non-seaworthy boats and vessels operating on the waterways, she called for inclusion of boat operators in the CVFF crafts acquisition arrangement to enable them procure modern boats.
At the sidelines of the event, attendees who spoke to Falcon Watch Online querried the absence of boat operators such as ATBOWATON, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and other critical stakeholders.
In her remarks earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Zoe Maritime Resources, Mrs. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore said it is time Nigeria addressed numerous issues bedeviling inland waterways transportation in Nigeria.
Dignitaries in the event included Mr Temi Omatseye, ex- Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Senior Partner, Foundation Chambers, Mr. Chidi Ilogu (SAN); Founder, Ocean Ambassadors Forum (OAF), Mrs. Olaitan Williams and Secretary, Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Mrs. Nneka Obianyor.
Others were: NPA’s General Manager (Security), Mr. Mohammed Khalil; CP Maritime Police, Olanrewaju Olawale Ishola (representing AIG Maritime Police Command, AIG Rhoda Olofu); Products Development Manager, Niger Benue Transport Company (NBTC), Engr. Uche Chibu who represented the NBTC Managing Director.
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.
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
NIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
Tincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
NSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
-
Customs3 weeks agoNSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
-
Customs3 weeks agoTincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.