Maritime Agencies
PORT STATE CONTROL: Equatorial Guinea Joins Abuja MoU
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
November 23, 2023, Equatorial Guinea finally became a member of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in West and Central Africa, otherwise known as the Abuja MoU.
This makes the central African nation the 20th member-state of the group.
Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Capt Sunday Umoren disclosed this in Lagos while exchanging views with Falcon Watch Online.
“It means we have two countries in the region left now for all the countries to subscribe as full members. The outstanding countries are the Arab Republic of Mauritania and the Republic of Namibia. These are the countries that are yet to sign up,” the Abuja MoU boss said.
At the occasion, Capt Umoren explained, the Vice President and Minister of Transportation of Equatorial Guinea were present as witnesses.
“Also present were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, the South African Ambassador and the Cameroonian Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. They were in attendance to celebrate a wonderful day, a great celebration for Equatorial Guinea.”
On the significance of Equatorial Guinea joining the Abuja MoU, Capt who referred to it as a great day said it will be celebrated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), other MoUs worldwide and the maritime world because with the addition, there is an increase in the number of countries whose ports are now part of the watch dog regarding the propagation and insistence on safety in navigation.
“The port state regime is actually a safety net such that no substandard ships can trade within the regions and around the world”.
“If in a region you have countries that are not full members or not acceding to become full members, it means those countries will not be conducting port state inspection of ships. Substandard ships can easily visit those ports and come out. What does that mean? It means a weak link.”
He stated that substandard ships trading could actually get involved in accidents and spillage and if they are carrying oil, the marine environment will be polluted.
“So, coming into the Abuja MoU means that we are tightening the noose around the region.”
He was optimistic that by the time the remaining two countries join, it means all countries in the West and Central African region have agreed and signed to monitor their waters and their countries to ensure that no substandard vessels are sailing within the system.
“So, everyone will be happy because the probability of substandard vessels slipping through will almost be nill. This means safer seas, safer world for all.”
He said his organization is still engaging the few countries left in the region.
“We are engaging them. We’re quite hopeful that by next year, we will have all the countries in the region subscribe and acceed to full membership of Abuja MoU.”
Port State Control is the inspection carried out on visiting foreign ships to verify their compliance with international instruments on safety, pollution prevention and seafarers’ working and living conditions. It is a means of enforcing compliance in cases where the owner and flag state have failed in their responsibility to implement or ensure compliance.
The Port State can require deficiencies to be put right and detain the ship for this purpose if necessary. It is therefore also a Port State’s defense against visiting substandard ships.
The Secretariat is established to develop a system of harmonized Port State Control Inspection Procedures for the region with the aim of eliminating substandard ships. In pursuit of a strategic direction and with consistent alignment with the context of the organization through a risk-based approach, the Abuja MoU Secretariat is committed to continuous improvement of its quality management system in line with the International Organization for Standardization requirements (ISO 9001:2015) and the IMO Resolution A.686 (17), 1991.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central African Region, generally referred to as the Abuja MoU, is one of the nine regional MoUs established pursuant to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A. 682 (17) of 1991. The Organization operates under a cooperative agreement with the IMO.
The Abuja MoU was established in Abuja, Nigeria, on October 22, 1999 as an inter-governmental organization comprising the Maritime Administrations of countries abutting the South Atlantic coast of Africa.
The regime covers 22 countries from Mauritania to South Africa.16 of these countries signed the MoU to establish the organization.
Countries that have completed the procedures and have become full members are Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo Brazil, Cote D’Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo. Others are Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea- Conakry, Liberia and Nigeria.
Others are Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Togo.
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.
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.
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.
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
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.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
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.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
Photo News: Salah Celebration
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIndustry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoFIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoWIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoLekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
-
Customs2 weeks agoNSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.