Maritime Agencies
ORASHI RIVER PORT: Eze Ohanweh Calls For Urgent Dredging and Commissioning To Decongest Lagos Ports.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
HRH Eze Dr Oliver Chinedu Ohanweh, the traditional ruler of Ihim/Isiama Autonomous community of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State and Chairman, Olinco Transworld Group Ltd, has made a strong case on the need to urgently complete the dredging and operationalization of the Orashi River Port in Imo State.
Eze Ohanweh who spoke through Barr Emeka Iwueze, a Lagos-based lawyer, made the call in his remarks as a special guest and award winner at the 2023 Annual Conference and Awards event held in Lagos, Thursday, by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON).
The notable maritime stakeholder who recalled that at the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency, then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on May 11, 2023, flagged off the dredging of the Orashi channel aimed at connecting it directly to the Atlantic Ocean which is a mere 18 nautical miles away said here lies a practical solution to the problem of congestion Lagos ports are battling with.
The Obi Gburugburu and paramount ruler of Isiama Kingdom of Isiala-Mbano , Imo State, reminded Nigerians that the 18 nautical miles closeness of Urashi channel to the Atlantic Ocean makes it the nearest of such facility when compared with the Lagos Port of 50 nautical miles and Port Harcourt’s 60 which were dredged and have continued to enjoy maintenance dredging till date to facilitate seamless navigation.
On the imperatives of sighting a seaport in the south east, Eze Ohanweh said the greater number of importers in Nigeria today are Igbos of the Southeast. They haul 60 per cent of all the containers leaving Apapa and Tin-can seaports to the eastern part of Nigeria.
“There is need to facilitate the dredging and construction of the Urashi Seaport in Imo State commissioned in May 2022 by the former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.”
He gave kudos to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State who saw the importance of dredging the seaport to alleviate the sufferings of importers from south east and, by extension, the generality of Nigerians businessmen.
“Urashi Seaport will seamlessly link the Oseakwa Seaport in Ihiala, Anambra State, which will no doubt benefit States such as Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo and Kogi.”
“The sea port, if revived, would not only decongest Lagos. It will provide jobs, increase the revenue base of the federal government as well as have a multiplier effect on the agro and socioeconomic development of the old Eastern Region.
The royal father sounded it loud and clear that anyone or agency directly or indirectly sabotaging the realization of the port is an enemy of the people. He stated that being business people, importers would want to recoup numerous losses they incur and this eventually transfers to higher cost of goods on the already- impoverished Nigerian consumers.
Added to congestion at Lagos ports of Apapa and Tin-Can, Eze Ohanweh explained, movement of goods from Lagos to the Southeastern markets of Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba and Owerri come with much costs following extortion by dishonest law enforcement officers and other agencies, who line the route. These add heavy costs to the goods which the eventual consumers must pay.
On arms proliferation, he said with modern technology such as scanning machines, this could be detected. He also harped on the urgent need to reduce multiple checkpoints often mounted on the road by police and other security agencies. This causes haulage trucks to charge more to recover extortions as well as make up for man-made delays on transit.
For his consistent advocacy on the actualization of the Orashi-Oguta seaport project coupled with numerous strides in the maritime sector, the association bestowed on Eze Ohanweh the prestigious accolade of the 2023 AMJON Excellent Leadership Award.
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
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MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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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 Agencies7 days agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.