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 Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has been asked to always stick to the tenets of professionalism, ethical journalism and balanced reportage within the maritime sector.
Prince Segun Oduntan, Vice President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) gave the charge, Wednesday, while receiving the new MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde and members of his executive council during a courtesy visit.
Pledging support for the new leadership of the premier maritime reporters group, Oduntan described the emergence of the new MARAN leadership as a significant opportunity to reposition the association and restore confidence in maritime journalism.
He encouraged the new executive to remain focused on promoting unity, integrity and responsible journalism.
According to him, the maritime media plays a critical role in shaping narratives within the industry and must therefore avoid sensationalism, blackmail and unverified reports capable of damaging reputations and institutions.
Journalists , Oduntan stressed, should always prioritize truth, fairness and professionalism in carrying out their responsibilities.
He noted that the credibility of journalism depends largely on the ability of practitioners to maintain ethical standards and resist external pressures capable of compromising their judgment.
The ANLCA Vice President also expressed concern over the gradual decline in investigative and developmental journalism within the maritime sector, recalling a time when newspapers and industry publications were respected for credible and impactful reporting.
He urged MARAN members to work towards rebuilding that standard and changing negative perceptions surrounding the profession.
Oduntan further advised the association to guard against internal divisions and unhealthy rivalry, warning that leadership positions often come with disagreements and distractions.
He, however, encouraged the executive to remain committed to collective progress and institutional development.
“Leadership requires patience, wisdom and the ability to accommodate differing opinions. You may not have everybody on the same page, but what is important is to remain focused on the vision and move the association forward,” he stated.
The ANLCA Vice President also cautioned journalists against allowing themselves to be used as instruments for personal or political battles, insisting that responsible journalism must be guided by facts and objectivity.
He pledged to support the new MARAN leadership in its efforts to reposition the association and promote a healthier relationship between maritime journalists and industry stakeholders.
Responding, MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, appreciated Oduntan for his encouragement, advice and commitment towards supporting the association.
He assured the ANLCA Vice President that the new executive would prioritize ethical journalism, professionalism and constructive engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The courtesy visit formed part of MARAN’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders aimed at strengthening industry collaboration and advancing professionalism within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Maritime Agencies
Tincan Customs, NDLEA Promise Hard Times for Drug Peddlers, Seize N16,694bn worth of Cannabis Indica .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised an alarm on the desperation of criminal networks bent on using the ports to push dangerous substances into Nigeria, insisting that no effort would be spared to stop them.
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), made the call at the Tincan Port, Wednesday, while handing over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) a major interception made through intelligence and collaboration barely two weeks a similar incident took place.
”This tells us two things. First, criminal networks are still desperate to use our ports to push dangerous substances into the country. Second, and more importantly, it shows that our officers and sister security agencies are alert, focused, and fully committed to stopping them.”
He announced that acting on credible intelligence gathered jointly by the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA, officers of the Enforcement unit intercepted and subjected a 1x40ft container with number HAMU 247034/8 to a thorough physical examination.
”Consequently, the container which also originated from Canada, just like the previous one was found to contain 8,347 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing a total of 4,173.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of N16,694,000,000 (Sixteen Billion, Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Million Naira).”
Comptroller Onyeka described the latest interception as unique and commended the vigilance and professionalism of Customs officers and partner agencies who ensured that the consignment will not get to the streets.
”This is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardize National Security, endanger lives and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young and women of our country. Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, the consignment will not get to the streets.”
Reassuring that his Command is prepared to confront and defeat illicit importations at all times, he stated: “Let me assure Nigerians that this Command is not relenting. If anything, recent events have strengthened our resolve. We will continue to intensify surveillance, deepen intelligence gathering, and sustain our collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies to ensure more interceptions are made”.
”We are also determined to go beyond seizures. Those behind these shipments will be identified, traced, arrested, and prosecuted. Let me also clearly warn any insider collaborators aiding these criminal activities: the Command will not spare anyone found compromising national security for personal gain. No matter how long it takes, such individuals will be tracked down and dealt with according to the law.”
He appreciated the Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (rtd) for the successful partnership agreement reached in the interest of National Security and the fight against illicit activities.
”This development is a clear demonstration of the commitment of both agencies towards strengthening inter-agency collaboration and Intelligence-sharing.”
”The message today is simple and clear: we are watching, we are working, and we will continue to frustrate every attempt to use our ports for illegal importation,” Comptroller Onyeka concluded.
Accepting the 4,173.5kg of cannabis indica on behalf of the NDLEA Chairman, ACG Archieabia Ibinabo Ogboba described the event as auspicious because Nigeria is being defended from what she called the daring and wicked activities of criminal merchants who are more concerned with profiteering than with the lives, health, and wellbeing of innocent citizens.
”It is indeed an epoch-making event as the NDLEA formally takes over from the Nigeria Customs Service, prohibited weeds which have tested positive for Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 4,173.5kg, alongside vehicles used as conveyances for the illicit drugs.”
” These exhibits shall proceed through the necessary legal processes for final forfeiture in accordance with the law. The seizure is humongous, a total of 4,173.5kg of Cannabis Indica worth over 10.4 billion in street value. The interception of this large cache of illicit substances by the Nigerian security architecture at the seaports is highly commendable.”
She commended gallant officers who serve as effective and patriotic gatekeepers in ensuring the safety and security of the maritime corridors.
Mrs Ibinabo Ogboba applauded the professionalism, resilience, and dedication displayed by the cooperating sister agencies, especially the NPA, NCS and other security organizations during the joint examination through which the substances were recovered from the targeted container.
”The marine intelligence unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working in close collaboration with our foreign partners particularly the Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police diligently and tenaciously monitored the movement and trail of this particular consignment for over two to three months.”
The criminals, Ogboba explained, intended to distort and frustrate the law from monitoring their deadly container by having multiple layers of movement.
”They did this by subjecting the container through several routes, the container originated from Toronto by truck on 28/3/2026, through the rails to Montreal, before it was loaded on board vessel Jakarta Express Voyage, from Montreal. It arrived Tanger Med Port on 15/4/2026, where it was discharged and reloaded on vessel Osaka Voyage and arrived Tincan seaports on the 9/5/2026.”
”Permit me to state that the unwavering commitment, intelligence-sharing, and operational synergy displayed, ultimately culminated in this remarkable feat and successful interception.
”This achievement once again demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency international cooperation, intelligence-driven collaboration, and operations in combating transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking. As showcased in the recent seizures of Cannabis Indica that weighed 4,729kg on the 27th April 2026 and another 610.5kg on the 30th April 2026.”
”The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the able leadership of our visionary and indefatigable leader, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) CON remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in its mandate to rid our society of narcotic substances and protect the future of our nation. This further buttress the importance of the renewed MOU signed between the NCS and NDLEA recently. The results are obvious. We shall continue to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Port Authority and all Security Agencies to continually disrupt, defeat, and dismantle these nefarious activities, while ensuring the safety of our maritime domain for legitimate trade, tourism, and national prosperity.”
Maritime Agencies
MARAN Seeks Strategic Partnership With NPA on Port Modernisation, Capacity Building
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The newly elected executive of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in support of Nigeria’s ongoing port modernisation drive and broader maritime sector development.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the new MARAN leadership, led by its President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, to the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, at the authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, Onyemekara described the emergence of the new MARAN leadership as a positive development for the maritime media landscape, while commending the association’s electoral committee and outgoing leadership for conducting a peaceful and credible transition process.
According to him, the successful conduct of the election demonstrated maturity and institutional stability within the association, noting that many organisations often struggle with leadership transitions.
“What they have done is something that deserves commendation.
Some organisations would have scattered if not for a group of people who ensured stability and successfully midwifed the election process,” he said.
He further praised the association for producing professionals who have continued to distinguish themselves across different sectors of the economy, stressing that MARAN has remained a strong platform for maritime journalism and policy engagement in Nigeria.
The NPA spokesperson also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the authority and MARAN, assuring the new executive of the agency’s support and cooperation.
“I have known the president for a very long time and we have built a relationship over the years. You can rest assured that relationship will continue to grow. MARAN remains a very strategic stakeholder within the maritime industry,” Onyemekara stated.
He emphasised that the maritime sector was entering a critical phase in its history with the Federal Government’s port modernisation initiative, which he said would significantly redefine port operations, competitiveness and trade efficiency in Nigeria.
According to him, the modernisation programme is designed to position Nigerian ports for larger vessel traffic, improved cargo handling capacity and increased regional transshipment opportunities.
He noted that the growth currently being witnessed at the Lekki Deep Sea Port further validates the need for Nigeria to upgrade its port infrastructure to meet global shipping realities.
“Most vessels being built globally today are designed for large draft channels. If we fail to position ourselves appropriately, we will simply be wasting time. What we have seen in our first quarter operational statistics will become insignificant compared to what the industry can achieve after modernisation,” he explained.
Onyemekara added that Nigeria possesses the demographic and economic fundamentals needed to emerge as a major maritime hub in Africa, stressing that efficient and modern ports would naturally attract higher cargo volumes and transshipment business.
“The economy is here, the population is here, and the market is here. Once you combine these with an efficient port system, Nigerian ports can become major transshipment hubs within the region,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with developments in the aviation sector globally, he explained that countries seeking greater competitiveness were investing heavily in infrastructure expansion rather than merely cosmetic upgrades.
“We are concentrating on where it matters most, where the vessels come in. That is the essence of the port modernisation project,” he added.
The NPA spokesman also called for stronger media support in educating Nigerians on the importance of the maritime sector and the economic value of port reforms.
He stressed that maritime journalism remains critical to shaping public understanding and stakeholder acceptance of ongoing reforms, particularly the modernisation initiative.
“The knowledge of the port industry is still not where it should be. The role of journalists in educating the public is extremely important, and we are ready to support initiatives that will strengthen maritime journalism,” Onyemekara said.
He also expressed support for specialised training programmes for maritime journalists, especially in areas relating to port infrastructure, logistics, shipping economics and trade facilitation.
Responding, MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, appreciated the warm reception accorded the delegation and reiterated the association’s commitment to constructive engagement with industry stakeholders.
He further stressed the need for continuous professional training for maritime journalists, particularly as the industry enters a new era driven by infrastructure expansion and modernisation.
“Now that the industry is embarking on an ambitious programme of infrastructure expansion and modernisation, journalists also need to be trained adequately so they can properly understand and project these developments to the public,” he said.
The MARAN president noted that capacity building for journalists would not only improve reportage but also contribute to better public understanding of maritime policies, investments and reforms.
The visit forms part of the new MARAN leadership’s broader stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at strengthening industry relationships and promoting collaborative efforts towards the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
ANLCA Harps on Responsible Reportage, Pledges Support for New MARAN Exco,
Tincan Customs, NDLEA Promise Hard Times for Drug Peddlers, Seize N16,694bn worth of Cannabis Indica .
MARAN Seeks Strategic Partnership With NPA on Port Modernisation, Capacity Building
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