Maritime Agencies
MAN, ORON: Maritime Lecture Series Updates Cadets on Emerging Trends in Seafaring
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Since Nigeria’s maritime industry is turning into the major economic powerhouse of the economy, it has become necessary to invest in modern technologies and improve port facilities to accommodate larger vessels, handle increased cargo volumes while deploying automation in sea port operations.
Navy Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (rtd), Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, stated this during the 4th edition of the institution’s Maritime Lecture Series put together to update cadets, staff and stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry on emerging trends in the sector.
According to the Rector, the maritime industry is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy since 80% of the country’s international trade depends on maritime.
As one of the major oil-exporting countries in the world, he continued, Nigeria is also a huge exporter of agricultural commodities such as cocoa, soya bean, soghum, ginger and many more.
“We know there are the challenges of inadequate infrastructure, manpower and regulatory issues which are being tackled to get a workable framework and address other administrative hiccups. But amidst these challenges, the strategic location of Nigeria positions her to serve as a hub for regional and international trade within Africa. This alone is a huge opportunity which we take advantage of,” Effedua remarked.
Speaking on the topic ‘Safety of Lives at Sea: Wither Its Legal Conundrum’, foremost maritime lawyer, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN) used the famous ‘Titanic’ of old as a graphic illustration of a system that took safety matters for granted.
Builders of the ‘Titanic’, she said, failed to make serious provisions for passengers and crew safety. The sinking of the ‘Titanic’ gave birth to SOLAS Convention which Nigeria domesticated under Section 215 of the Merchant Shipping Act of 2007.
Mrs Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria made her lecture session interactive and lively, providing opportunity for cadets to ask questions and receiving valuable answers; insightful information.
Anishere stated that key areas that should be looked into in bringing Nigeria’s maritime laws up to speed with current trends include a realistic assessment of the evolving maritime landscape as well as harmonization of safety standards. Others are hull construction, vessels structural integrity and firea safety standards.
Rev (Engr) Emmanuel Ilori, marine engineer and prominent member of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES) also presented a paper at the event.
Falcon Watch Online Daily recalls that at a previous edition of the lecture series two months back, Dr Emeka Akabogu, maritime lawyer and Senior Partner, Akabogu Legal, Lagos, commended the Rector for making the Maritime Academy of Nigeria a pride for Nigeria, the West African subregion and Africa within so short a time.
“He has shown that anything in this country can work if persons appointed in positions of responsibility are passionate on delivering values, focused in the management they are in, and are knowledgeable in the sector and industry in which they are appointed”.
“With the state-of-the-art facilities I have seen here, I am very impressed. It tells me, and I can say without equivocation that, seafarers programmes (on) which Nigeria has been spending millions every year can very effectively be achieved through the Academy.”
“At the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Nigeria, from what I have seen, I am sad that we still send out people from Nigeria to different parts of the world for training”.
“If the money we spend training
people abroad is invested here, the Academy would have no rival in the world”.
Similarly, Falcon Watch Online Daily recalls, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, President, Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) identified smart ports as the way to go. He urged the country to embrace smart ports in order to leverage on advanced technology to overcome challenges posed by port congestion, avoidable delays and human interference in port operations.
Speaking in the same vein through Dr Ibifubara Ayaobu-Cookey, the Director of Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos, Prof (Capt) Abiodun Sule equally commended the Rector and his team for being in tandem with the mission, vision and goals of the Academy.
Seafarers in training
The Maritime Lecture series is part of the vision and strategies of the Rector to groom and prepare cadets of the Academy for life after their training at the school.
Since the Lecture Series was birthed, many maritime experts, technocrats, Naval Chiefs (serving and retired) and others have featured as guest speakers. As conceived by the Management of the apex nautical school, the overall idea is to prepare and position the cadets to take up duties and responsibilities when they graduate from the Academy.
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.
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FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
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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.
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MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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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.
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Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
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BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoLekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
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Customs3 weeks agoNSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
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Customs3 weeks agoTincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoNEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.