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.
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.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Seven days to the end of 2025, the Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has comfortably met her revenue target for the year, exceeding same by over N51.8 billion.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka who stated this in Lagos, Wednesday, announced that the Command generated a total of ₦1.576 trillion in revenue, surpassing its assigned target of ₦1.524 trillion by about ₦51.84 billion.
The performance which he described as remarkable came about following the decision of his officers and men to be on the path of discipline, professionalism and unwavering commitment to trade rules and regulations.
Other enhancers of the achievement, he explained, included the strict implementation of deliberate reforms, improved operational efficiency and a strong sense of collective responsibility.
He said that major contributors to the increased revenue in the year included bulk cargo, general merchandise and imported ‘tokunboh’ vehicles. Strict cargo examination procedures and full compliance with customs regulations ensured accurate assessment and collection of expected revenue.
The Command employed conscious efforts to eliminate revenue leakages and operational inefficiency even as multiple and unnecessary alerts were substantially curtailed by adopting a streamlined alert management and enhanced internal coordination.
“This strategy improved operational efficiency without compromising effective customs control”, the CAC disclosed.
Commending the role of stakeholders engagement in the realization of the annual revenue, Onyeka recalled regular interaction with importers, licensed customs agents, terminal operators and shipping companies.
Diligent enforcement coupled with intelligence-driven operations also resulted in massive seizure of prohibited and undeclared goods.
“These seizures reflect our determination to facilitate trade while safeguarding national security, public safety, and economic integrity”, he remarked.
He assured that the Command is ever ready to sustain and improve on the 2025 revenue performance and compliance enforcement. All revenue due to the federal government will be properly assessed, collected and remitted at all times.
The Tin Can Island Port Customs boss expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi for his strategic leadership and institutional support, noting that the Command’s success aligns with the Service’s ongoing reform and modernisation agenda.
He also commended stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to improved compliance and adherence to extant rules.
“As we progress, the Command remains focused on consolidating these gains, deepening transparency, and contributing meaningfully to the federal government’s fiscal objectives”, Onyeka stated.
Customs
NSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
It has been canvassed that as the maritime industry grows in complexity, driven by digitalization, new trade realities, regulatory reforms and global logistic shifts, journalism practice within the space should toe the same line.
Dr Pius Ukeyima Akutah, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) stated this in a keynote address he delivered in Lagos, Thursday, during the 10th Anniversary Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists hosted by First Mediacon Network Ltd, publishers of Shipping Position Daily.
Acknowledging that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has benefitted immensely from the sustained and professional coverage offered by the maritime press, more collaborative efforts is needed to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the port environment. He was represented by the agency’s Director of Special Duties, Mr Moses Abere.
”This decade-long journey affirms a simple truth: no maritime sector can advance without a strong, knowledgeable and committed media community.” Akutah added.
Strengthening maritime journalism for the future, he noted, requires technical accuracy, understanding of global practices and an appreciation of regulatory frameworks.
The journalist should also be equipped to interrogate data, utilize digital tools and apply emerging technologies such as Al in research, storytelling and analysis.
He added that in a sensitive sector such as maritime, misinformation can undermine policy, investor confidence and national economic stability.
”At the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, we remain committed to open communication and structured engagement with the media to enhance mutual understanding and sectoral development.”
Akutah assured that the NSC would continue to partner with the press through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building collaborations and joint initiatives that support a more informed and capable maritime media landscape.
”As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to promoting efficiency, transparency and competitiveness within the maritime sector.”
”We consider the media as essential partners in informing stakeholders, shaping public understanding and strengthening accountability.”
”We will continue to support credible and responsible maritime journalism and are open to meaningful engagements that enhance professionalism and knowledge within the press community.”
Dr Akabogu (left) presenting a souvenir to Dr Maiwada, National PRO, Nigeria Customs Service.
As the press celebrates
a 10-year milestone, Akutah advised, there should be a commitment to build a stronger future, one defined by accurate information, robust collaboration and shared progress.
Unveiling the Centre for Maritime Media & Capacity Development at the event, Mr Sesan Onileimo, CEO First Mediacon Network Ltd stressed the need to future-proof maritime reporting in Nigeria. The new Centre, he said, was created to respond to rapid changes reshaping journalism and the maritime sector.
“The maritime media space is evolving rapidly under the pressure of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and social media. This Centre is our bold response to ensure journalists remain knowledgeable, relevant and impactful, regardless of how long they have been on the beat,” Onileimo explained.
The Centre, he added, would not only take over the organisation of the annual seminar but would also deliver continuous, year-round manpower development programmes for maritime journalists and content creators.
“What we are doing is moving from an annual event to a permanent structure for capacity development. The Centre is also open to partnerships with industry stakeholders who share our vision of a stronger and more professional maritime media,” Onileimo added.
Dignitaries at the event included Mr Babandede, ACG Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service accompanied by the National Public Relations Officer, Dr Aliyu Maiwada, notable maritime lawyer Dr Emeka Akabogu (SAN) and Dr Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
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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