Maritime Agencies
Oyetola Opens LIMWEEK 2024, Harps On Port Efficiency and Safety
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola says in the maritime world, port efficiency and safety are critical components that can never be overlooked while discussing economic growth, trade and investment.
The Minister stated this in Lagos, Tuesday, while declaring open the 2024 edition of the Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK) and the Business To-Business Conference and Exhibition with the theme ‘Navigating the Future of Africa’s Marine & Blue Economy – Safety First.’
Improvement in safety and ports efficiency, he explained, top the chart on the responsibilities President Bola Tinubu handed to him to achieve as Minister.
The Minister, who was represented by Mr Chinedu Mbam, Legal Director in the Ministry, added that government was fully committed to drive the modernisation and improvement of the ports and maritime infrastructure.
By upgrading the nation’s ports to global standards, he noted, Nigeria will position herself to become a leader in international maritime trade since ports serve as gateway to prosperity.
“We understand that port efficiency and safety are not options; they are imperatives for unlocking the full potential of the blue economy. This is significant because safety remains the cornerstone upon which all maritime operations and business success rest.”
Through key safety initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project, he explained, Nigeria and, indeed the Gulf of Guinea, have achieved reasonable reduction in maritime crimes such as piracy, sea robbery and smuggling.
Mrs Sofiye Uzor (Centre) receiving the Award on behalf of Engr Greg Ogbeifun.
In his contribution, the Lagos Star Commissioner of Police acknowledged his responsibility to secure the maritime domain, including the intricate inland waterways crucial to Nigeria’s economy and Africa’s broader maritime sector. “The Gulf of Guinea, as many of us are aware of, is both a region rich in resources and a key artery for global maritime trade also faces persistent security challenges. The Nigeria Police, through its Maritime Command, has played a pivotal role in securing our maritime domain. Our mandate extends beyond merely patrolling the waterways. We work hand-in-hand with other national and international agencies to protect vital assets, combat piracy and ensure that our marine environment is safe and secure for all stakeholders.”
The Police boss who spoke through Chief Superintendent of Police Segun Falemara said as a matter of routine, the Police collaborates with NIMASA and other critical stakeholders in joint operations to reduce maritime crimes.
“The Marine Police deploys advanced surveillance techniques, leveraging human intelligence and technological solutions to monitor criminal activities along the waterways.”
“Through regional and international partnerships, we ensure our officers are well trained to address emerging maritime threats and security challenges.”
To achieve reasonable security in the Gulf of Guinea, he suggested a coordinated effort from the component littoral states and international partners.
Nigeria, he recalled, has been at the forefront of fostering regional collaboration to ensure a safer maritime environment.
“Some of these include the AGWE Project and the SWAIM SAR Project.” The AGWE Project anchored by the Interpol is a collaborative programme of five West African states aim at training, mentoring and providing equipment for boosting maritime security while SWAIM (Support to West African Integrated Maritime Security) have enhanced the search-and- rescue capabilities in the Gulf of Guinea.
“These initiatives have improved the region’s ability to swiftly respond to maritime emergencies and criminal activities, fostering safety on our waters”. He explained that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has been invaluable in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea.
“Through UNODC, the Danish government has funded training programmes that have equipped our offices with Visit, Board, Search and Seizures (VIBSS) procedures in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy to combat illegal activities at sea.
On the proliferation of dangerous materials, he said that partnering with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the US International Counter-proliferation Programme, Nigeria has worked to prevent the smuggling of hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction into the Gulf of Guinea. This is a critical step towards ensuring that the blue economy is not compromised by illicit activities that would have devastating environmental and security consequences.
The Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019, he said, has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s legal framework for tackling piracy and other maritime crimes. “It aligns our national laws with international frameworks and provide the necessary legal backing for prosecuting offenders in Nigeria.”
Through the Harmonized
Standard Operating Procedures (HSOPs), efforts are on to ensure that regional maritime security agencies adhere to harmonized SOPs, ensuring a “legal finish” in prosecuting maritime offenders.
Nigeria participates actively in national and regional maritime security conferences such as the Yaounde Architecture for Maritime Security which facilitates coordination between West and Central African states. Mentoring programmes including training supported by international partners such as the US and European Union have played a key role in improving Nigeria’s operational capabilities. “The Nigeria Police also contributes to the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy), comprehensive, concerted, coherent and coordinated approach that improve maritime conditions with respect to environmental and socio-economic development as well as the capacity to generate wealth from sustainable governance of Africa’s blue economy.”
The Police boss assured Nigeria’s commitment to the development of her blue economy through fostering safety and security across her maritime domain.
In his intervention from the perspective of the British Royal Navy, Commander Daniel Waskett, SO2 Marine, disclosed the UK strategy which is to establish long-term and mutually-beneficial partnerships with African nations to build on shared interests for safer, healthier and more prosperous future for all. However, like many nations committed to ensuring a free, secure global common maintenance of international rules-based order and supporting democracy, he stated, the UK is experiencing a time of increased operational demand the Royal Navy is deploying globally at a scale unprecedented for many years.
“Destroyers and Frigates are protecting shipping in the Red Sea to ensure trade can continue freely.”
Highlight of the event, among others, was the conferment of a lifetime achievement award on Engr Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman, Starzs Marine and Engineering Co Ltd.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Navy has warned that the unregulated deployment of unmanned vessels for maritime surveillance could pose serious security risks to the nation’s maritime domain. It has, therefore, called
for the development of an appropriate legal framework to regulate their use.
Rear Admiral Daniel Atapa of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department made the call in Lagos while speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff at the Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEEK) 2026 hosted by Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd.
Rear Admiral Atapa said there was the need to harmonise the various maritime architectures under a single command to effectively curb the practice.
Even though each agency is at liberty to operate its own equipment and systems, Atapa noted, the issue of inter-agency rivalry and the harm it has brought to bear on the system often makes it difficult to harmonise the various maritime domain awareness assets for effective coordination and information-sharing.
“There are Maritime Domain Awareness assets with NIMASA, Navy, NPA and the rest. To the extent that there is no regulation or codified framework mandating their use or defining their modus operandi, each agency is at liberty to operate with what it has.
“Also, because of inter-agency rivalry which is silent and which we sometimes do not want to admit exists, it becomes difficult to harmonise these Maritime Domain Awareness assets. So, we continue to operate the way we do until there is a regulation that brings everybody together and says, ‘Come together and operate this way.’
“We still make do with what we have. But once there is a regulation, it will provide the framework for harmonising these assets and ensure better coordination among the agencies.
“On the presence of foreign vessels and navies in the Gulf of Benin, we need to understand that the Gulf is an open sea line of communication. Most of these foreign navies are from countries with significant shipping activities in the region.
“You cannot impose on any country that because our maritime domain is now safe; they should drive away their vessels. To the extent that they were there before the crisis, during the crisis and before the de-escalation, they still have the liberty to operate.
“We cannot tell them to leave the Gulf of Benin because that space is free and freedom of navigation is obtainable for everyone.
“On the unregulated use of unmanned vessels, as I recommended as part of my prescriptions for addressing the issue, there is currently no regulation, and so everybody operates and does what they deem appropriate.
“The implication is that, as long as there is no problem, everybody is fine. But once there is a problem, that will become the test case and demonstrate the need for regulation.”
Maritime Agencies
Nigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
To deepen customs inter-connectivity, joint risk management, coordinated enforcement, secure infrastructure, harmonized procedures and accountable joint governance, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Benin Republic Customs has launched the transformation of the Seme-Krake Border Post into a modern technology-driven joint border post connecting Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Performing the historic transformation at the Seme-Krake Border Command, Friday, Comptroller -General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said without real time interconnectivity between the customs administration of Nigeria and Benin, the facility being inaugurated cannot achieve the purpose intended.
He noted that while physical infrastructure such as lanes, parking lots, offices, weigh bridge and scanner housing have long been completed, integrating them into the customs systems with the aid of technology need to be in place.
”Without inter-connectivity, this is not a joint border post. It is a border post sharing a car park at best,” Adeniyi stated.
Key features of the modernisation arrangement include
real-time data exchange where declarations lodged on one side will be visible on the other, enabling seamless transit tracking and shared enforcement alerts.
Another is trader support. This is a dedicated facility for women traders which will simplify procedures for small consignments, provide multilingual information and reduce harassment and extortion.
Enhanced security enables the restoration of scanning capability, strengthened access control, surveillance and lighting.
Joint governance deals with harmonised bilingual SOPs. This covers cargo, passengers, inspection and incident escalation alongside a standing Nigeria–Benin enforcement and intelligence mechanism.
Speaking at the event, Benin Customs Director-General, Col. Raouf Malehossou Aboudou described the initiative as commendable as it is critical and well -intentioned in efforts to recalibrate joint operations to facilitate trans-border trade in the current era.
The Seme Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, also pledged the Command’s commitment to supporting seamless trade across the corridor.
The launch event featured a facility inspection, demonstration of the border modernization solution and a symbolic football match between the Seme Area Command team and Badagry United Football Club. The Command carried the day with a 2–0 victory against their opponents.
Maritime Agencies
NPA Emphasizes the Importance of Truck Drivers, Donates 400 Safety Vests to AMATO and NURTW.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
No matter the number of vessels that visit the port, it is the responsibility of truck drivers to move whatever cargos they carry into or out of the port and here lies their immense importance.
Mr Adebo Lawal, Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex (LPC), stated this in Lagos, Wednesday, while welcoming truck owners and drivers to a sensitization programme on the importance of minimum safety standards held at the Lilypond Export Complex, Apapa.
”To make you know how important you are in the system,” the Port Manager said, no matter the number of vessels that call at the port, truck drivers must move the goods they carry out or in. Here lies your importance.”
He deplore drivers who often leave their trucks on the road and disappear.
”Please know that you are a reliable part of the ecosystem and that’s the reason the NPA Managing Director approved the sensitization programme,” Adebo Lawal announced.
In his address, Engr Muktar Abdullahi of the Safety Department said the meeting was on the safety of everyone who interfaces with the ports. He noted that accidents do occur and that is reason NPA management makes reservations for minimum cases that enable accidents so that everyone can strive to avoid these to remain safe.
”Tyre can burst and a truck can overturn. If there is little fire in the truck it can cause a disaster even as defective trucks can lead to accident.”
He dwelt on the need to ensure an efficient lighting system as bad headlights can lead to a crash especially at night.
”Ensure your chassis do not rust because you carry containers and other heavy cargo,” he advised the truck drivers.
The truck brake, he explained, must always be active while brake fluid must be promptly replaced when due. He advised on the use of trafficators, advising they must be used at all times to notify other drivers on the direction of movement.
Before embarking on any trip, Engr Abdullah counselled, tyres must be checked and any defects corrected. He warned drivers to keep off any form of distraction and avoid excessive speed on the road at all times.
For the truck owner, he strongly recommended putting in place preventive measures against decay of motor parts while repairs must be prompt to ensure the truck remains safe and sound.
Licences, stickers and other vehicle documents must be up-to-date while efforts must be made to get these renewed when necessary.
Addressing the drivers, Mrs Olanipekun, a staff of the Lagos Port Complex, enumerated important healthy tips, explaining that it is a necessary guide for all drivers and all other persons. She urged drivers to resist the urge to consume anything that will enhance their alertness and advised that they sleep or rest when nature calls.
Mrs Olanipekun pointed out the negative economic effects of the driver’s misconduct. This includes cargo loss, physical damages or death arising from accidents occasioned by carelessness on the part of the driver or any other person involved in the value chain.
”Nature cannot be cheated,” she stated. When you feel tired, is it to go and take enhancers? No! ”
Speaking from the viewpoint of road usage, Mr Oyediji of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) enumerated the main causes of road crashes which truck drivers must guard against, explaining that these relate more with the human factor.
Most times, truck drivers become over-confident to the point of refusing to latch their containers as expected. Most drivers over-speed and allow avoidable distractions to get the better part of them. Most of them drive under the influence of drugs and illicit drinks.
He advised them to renew their licenses when necessary. They should not drink and drive. They must consider other road users and be on the correct lane to allow other vehicles access.
From the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) came Mr Olalekan Bakare Oki who hailed the NPA for organizing the sensitization programme.
He explained that the truck owner, driver, law enforcement and the NPA each has a role to play to achieve minimum safety standards (MSS). The basis for MSS, he explained, is to reduce frequent breakdown on the road. LASTMA, he stated , has a free short code 3367 to contact if there is any issue with her officers and how they operate. This is to ensure free movement of trucks in the Lagos area.
In his intervention, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, Chairman , Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) paid special tribute to the LPC Port Manager whose tenure has signposted special regard for the welfare of truckers and drivers. He advised that since safety is the responsibility of everyone, all must cherish the importance. He stated that truck owners are working hard to bring professionalism in the sector and called on the NPA to consider the plight of drivers considering the harsh working environment.
”Let’s change the strategy and see the drivers as friends. Let the agencies not be seen by them as enemies working to undo them.”
Speaking along same line, Adesina Abimbola, AMATO Technical Director added that before long, drunk drivers would have their licenses revoked, adding that those in the habit should make adjustments. Truck owners should also be safety conscious and put their trucks in good condition.
On his part, Engr Ikpe, NPA’ s General Manager, Safety, who described the LPC Port Manager as a safety man enjoined the drivers to know that NPA Management loves them. Safety is a collective responsibility, he argued.
”We want you to stay safe; we’re interested in your safety.”
The drivers who turned up in their numbers described the sensitization programme as a parental engagement they cherish. They pleaded with enforcement organs to minimize the stress truck drivers are subjected to. They also requested for parking lots for relaxation whenever they are stressed.
Apart from AMATO, truck drivers from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) also graced the occasion.
The LPC Port Manager, Mr Adebo Lawal, later presented 200 reflective jackets to AMATO and NURTW respectively.
Unregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
Nigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
NPA Emphasizes the Importance of Truck Drivers, Donates 400 Safety Vests to AMATO and NURTW.
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