Maritime Agencies
SPEEDY TRIAL OF CASES: Stakeholders At MASPAN/AMANO Summit Caution NDLEA, Other Agencies.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and similar regulatory bodies have been asked to change their investigative tactics, speed up and desist from unduly dragging investigations into cases of drugs found on vessels. Delay, it is argued, places at a huge disadvantage ship crew, shipowners and importers aboard vessels suspected to carry drugs and other illicit substances especially when, at the end of the day, they are found not culpable for such transactions.
Interventions by shipping experts unanimously pointed this way in Lagos,Thursday, when shipping and security stakeholders converged at the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron (AMANO) summit to discuss “Drugs & Human Smuggling/Trafficking: The Evolving Maritime Security Threats To Ships Seafarers”.
They observed that shipowners lose millions of dollars to vessel delays, legal costs, crew salaries and inconveniences including additional costs on their families during delayed investigation of drug trafficking suspicions.
Several shipowners, the experts observed, have gone into depression and bankruptcy as they battle loss of business opportunities and other inconveniences.
Speaking at the event, Capt Suresh Prabhakar, Director, Operations, Pacific Basin Shipping Ltd, Hong Kong, deplored a situation where the regulatory agencies would detain ships for a long period of time, spend months on investigation only to discover later that the crew, shipowners and even importers do not have a hand in the transactions.
“From February 2021 to July 2024,” he pointed out, “there were 4 bulk carriers laden with sugar from Santos, Brazil, to Lagos where cocaine of quantities varying from 18 to 43 kilograms were discovered onboard each ship by the NDLEA.”
“During the course of the investigations, each ship was delayed for between 4 to 6 months and allowed to sail after owners posted bonds ranging from $2 million to $5 million.”
“On each ship about half the crew members, which is about 10 crew per ship, were detained. The bail amount posted per crew member to allow them to reside in a hotel rather than in a detention facility was $40,000, which totals to $400,000 for 10 crew.
“On two ships, after multiple court hearings crew were released after being detained for about 20 months each. The other two ships’ crew are still under detention in Lagos whilst court hearings are ongoing. The crew have been in Lagos for 34 months and 13 months respectively.
“Such incidents cost ship owners huge amounts of money in lost revenue by way of vessel delays, legal costs, crew salaries, family upkeep and the like. Additionally, when crew members are subjected to such treatment, most responsible owners expend a lot of time and effort in trying to secure their release.”
Cases such as these, he explained, place the shipowner at a disadvantage, adversely impacting his ability to engage in such trades and maintaining business on productive routes.
Prabhakar asked regulatory agencies to be proactive always. Shipowners should be informed when it is proved that the crew aboard a ship are involved in the drug trafficking. He maintained that the shipowners would be ready and willing to hand over the suspects to the authorities, rather than detain the ship indefinitely with other innocent crew members.
“But unfortunately in some countries like here (Nigeria), the NDLEA have been detaining ships for long periods of time, crews for long periods of time and then they have sort of been put through a lot of mental and physical stress. And then many of them don’t want to come back to sea again as a career” he regretted.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, condemned the current level of security threat in the maritime sector, particularly as concerns illicit drugs and human trafficking.
He spoke through Heaky Dimowo, the Director, Marine Environment Management, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.
“These activities are not merely criminal act, they erode our social fabric, destabilize communities and challenge our law enforcement at sea,” the Minister said.
“Moreover, they pose significant risk to the Maritime and Security of seafarers and vessels. Today we must confront the fact that our waters are increasingly viewed as transit route to illicit activities.”
The minister maintained that it was essential that Nigeria developed comprehensive strategies to address these evolving threats by leveraging on technical innovations, enhancing intelligence capabilities and fostering collaboration among critical stakeholders.
“Together, we can develop multifaceted responses that effectively combat these challenges” he concluded.
“On each ship about half the crew members, which is about 10 crew per ship were detained. The bail amount posted per crew member to allow them to reside in a hotel rather than in a detention facility was $40,000, which totals to $400,000 for 10 crew.
“On two ships, after multiple court hearings crew were released after being detained for about 20 months each. The other two ships’ crew are still under detention in Lagos whilst court hearings are ongoing. The crew have been in Lagos for 34 months and 13 months respectively.
“Such incidents cost ship owners huge amounts of money in lost revenue by way of vessel delays, legal costs, crew salaries, family upkeep and the like. Additionally, when crew members are subjected to such treatment, most responsible owners expend a lot of time and effort in trying to secure their release.”
He said cases such as these, adversely impact the ability of shipowners to engage in such trades and several owners and operators are forced to choose alternative trade routes.
Prabhakar appealed to relevant agencies of government, especially the NDLEA to always inform the shipowners once they are sure that the crew are involved in the drug trafficking incident. He maintained that the shipowners would be ready and willing to hand over the suspects to the authories, rather than have the ship detained with other innocent crew members detained, insisting that in 99.99% of the cases there is zero crew members involved.
“But unfortunately in some countries like here, the NDLEA have been detaining ships for long periods of time, crews for long periods of time and then they have sort of been put through a lot of mental and physical stress. And then many of them don’t want to come back to sea again as a career” he disclosed.
Speaking, the Summit Chairman, Emmanuel Maiguwa said the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) sees West Africa as a transit region for narcotics mostly emanating from South America, a development that gave filip to the summit.
“With recent incidents involving merchant ships (excluding cases of drugs concealed in cargo containers) from South America to Nigeria rising to about four within the last two years, this maritime corridor proves to be providing mobility for this illicit activity.
He informed that on the issue of human trafficking, records from Africa Risk Compliance (ARC) show a significant number of incidents where stowaways have been discovered on ships calling Nigerian ports.
While Nigeria may not present specific records linking stowaways to drug smuggling operations, he continued, it is of great concern that drug traffickers could potentially collaborate with stowaway networks. This partnership could lead to a coordinated effort to use stowaways as couriers, moving drugs from West Africa to Europe.
“Both MASPAN and AMANO express strong support for the fight against all forms of trafficking and smuggling, including drugs and humans; we are mainly focused on addressing responses to these crimes as they occur within the maritime corridor.
“We aim to ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are apprehended and fully punished by the law without subjecting the innocent to unnecessary difficulties that are counterproductive to the growth of shipping” he added.
Customs
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated a strong desire to ensure free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan international trade corridor by eradicating all negative factors involved. This it is implementing through effective collaboration and engagement with critical stakeholders.
This is contained in a release by the Command’s image maker, Superintendent of Customs J.T. Ayagbalo, on behalf of Comptroller Kaila, the Customs Area Controller.
While on a series of familiarization visits to the Palaces of traditional rulers and stations of heads of sister security agencies, the CAC announced that the step signifies a bold commitment to achieving the goals and objectives of the Service in line with the Federal government economic policies.
At the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, a highly recognized traditional ruler across the border communities and beyond.
””The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service. Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade and suppress smuggling. And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we cannot have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said.
In response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, described Kaila as a son of the soil, added: “We have listened to your request. Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya where he signified his commitment to fostering the service’s relationship with residents living within the border communities
”I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required. In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he stated.
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
”I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your present here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, the controller visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry. The Air Force base formation expressed their readiness to always support the command in achieving its mandate. This was revealed by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, where he added that both agencies shared similar purposes.
”Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility. Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familiarization tour by seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
Maritime Agencies
AMJON Honours NPA’s Anda with ‘Most Resourceful Port Manager’ Award At 2026 Conference.
Story by Dili Utomi.
”I want to thank the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and his management team for giving me the opportunity to serve. Working in the kind of environment where I found myself requires great teamwork and as you can see around me now, I have my very efficient team always with me and so I am very proud to have this team. I also give glory to God for everything including the recognition that I got today”
Above are some of the emotions that pervaded the atmosphere as the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) held its 2026 Conference and Awards with the theme: “Attaining Ports Efficiency In The Face Of Emerging Technology”.
The Conference and Awards which took place Thursday at the Conference room of the Rockview Hotel, Apapa had in attendance big industry players. Chaired by the cerebral Barr. Jean Chiazor-Anishere SAN, the event delved into major requirements to make the Nigerian ports more efficient.
In her opening speech, the President of AMJON, Vera Osokpo noted that “Artificial Intelligence is clearing cargo in Singapore; Blockchain is tracking containers in Rotterdam while Ghana runs a 24-hour port with one platform”.
”Meanwhile, UN-SEE-TAD says 90% of Nigeria’s trade pass through the ports. The World Bank says every day of delay cuts 5% of that trade. LCCI says we lose $19 billion a year to inefficiency”.
She urged everyone present to ask for access to information, respect for the media, and sincerity of purpose.
” Give us those three, and together we will tell the world that Nigerian ports can work”, she stated.
In his presentation, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho who was represented by the Port Manager, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Mr. Emmanuel Anda, underscored the urgent need for accelerated port modernisation to position Nigeria for optimal benefits under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
”Port modernisation is not merely an infrastructure project; it is a national economic priority”.
Mr. Anda said that the development of deep seaports, particularly Lekki Port, is expanding Nigeria’s trade capabilities.
On digital transformation, he informed that the NPA is advancing the Port Community System and supporting the implementation of the National Single Window to enhance stakeholder integration, reduce delays and improve transparency.
He outlined key reforms being driven by the Authority, including infrastructure upgrades at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports aimed at boosting capacity, improving berth productivity and reducing vessel turnaround time.
The Lekki Deep Sea Port Manager also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency through faster cargo clearance processes and reduced dwell time, as well as enhanced connectivity via rail links, inland dry ports, barging operations, and export corridor.
In his own presentation, a former member of the Federal House of Assembly, Mufutau Egbeorongbe advocated for urgent adoption of emerging technologies to improve efficiency across Nigerian ports, warning that outdated systems are no longer sustainable in modern maritime trade.
Mr. Egbeorongbe noted that “Ports serve as critical gateways for international trade and economic growth, but many continue to struggle with congestion, delays, high operational costs and infrastructure deficits. He noted that emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, automation, and digital twin systems are reshaping port operations globally.
While speaking on the role of host communities, another attendee, Dr.Mike Egbeyalo noted that “Port host communities are critical stakeholders in maritime economies, yet they often bear disproportionate environmental and social costs of port operations”.
He argued that prosperity requires a shift to sustainablilty-driven Port management anchored on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
The award session saw several persons cart away laurels of different categories. The Award for the ‘Most Resourceful Manager of the Year 2025’ went to Mr. Emmanuel Anda.
According to his citation, Mr Anda attended Corona Nursery and Primary School, Apapa before the prestigious Federal Government College Lagos after which he proceeded to the University of Lagos for his first degree. He also got his Master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Lagos, majoring in Policy.
Emmanuel Anda started work in February, 1993 as a Traffic Officer 11 in the NPA. He rose through the ranks having worked in virtually all units in the Traffic Department.
From the Port Exit Gates to the Car Parks, Container Terminals to Operations, he moved to the Administration unit and the Receiving section. He also worked in the Shed and Export units. Mr Anda has worked in Roro Port (Roll On Roll Off), Tin Can Island Port Complex proper, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, Lagos Port Complex to name a few. He has been member of several in-house committees, one of which advised on the Badagry Sea Port.
Mr Anda was the pioneer NPA Manager at PTML Terminal in Tincan Island Port Complex.
He was also the pioneer take-off Manager of the NPA Call-up system at Lilypond Ijora which later metamorphosed into Eto Call-up system.
Mr Anda has been Terminal Manager, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, acting Traffic Manager, Tincan Island Port Complex twice, substantive Traffic Manager, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, substantive traffic Manager, Lagos Port Complex and now the Port Manager of Nigeria’s super bride Lekki Deep Seaport.
Speaking on the sidelines concerning the success story of the Lekki Deepsea Port, he predicted that “over the next ten years, a lot of deep sea ports would have been fully been developed, what with ours, the Lekki Deep Sea Port in operation now and others like the proposed Dangote Deep Sea Port, Badagry, Ibom and Escravos Deep Sea Ports in the pipeline”.
”The other sea ports currently operating as major ports but with shallow droughts shall become less relevant and more of transit points for cargoes, receiving transshipment from others”.
In an interview, chairman of the occasion, Barr Jean Chiazor-Anishere commended AMJON for coming up with such a topical theme.
”We know that the world has gone digital,” she noted , “and there is a need for the media to tell the government about what it needs to do in order for us to have the needful”.
”The federal government, to me, is doing its best to automate the ports, what with the efforts to make the ports smart. Most of our ports are old and they are attempting to rejuvenate the existing ports as well as encourage the building of deepsea ports”, she concluded.
Maritime Agencies
NPA Targets Nigerian Ports As West Africa’s Trade Nerve Centre, Taking Advantage of AfCFTA.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a high-stakes bid to secure a dominant position in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho says the Federal Government is already stepping up an overhaul of the nation’s port system.
Addressing industry stakeholders in Lagos, Dantsoho described port modernisation as a critical economic imperative that will shape Nigeria’s competitiveness in a rapidly integrating continental market.
With AfCFTA lowering trade barriers across Africa, he warned that countries with faster, more efficient and technology-driven ports will capture a disproportionate share of cargo traffic and investment flows.
“Nigeria’s geographical advantage alone is no longer sufficient,” he said.
“Efficiency, speed, innovation and reliability will define leadership in this new era.”
At the core of the NPA’s strategy is a broad reform programme targeting long-standing structural bottlenecks that have historically weakened Nigeria’s port competitiveness.
Dantsoho highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, aimed at improving berth productivity, expanding capacity and reducing vessel turnaround time—key indicators of port efficiency.
He also underscored the growing role of deep seaports, particularly Lekki Port, in transforming Nigeria’s maritime landscape by accommodating larger vessels and boosting cargo throughput.
Industry observers view these developments as crucial to easing congestion at legacy ports while positioning Nigeria to handle rising trade volumes expected under AfCFTA.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the NPA is accelerating a shift toward digitalisation to tackle inefficiencies associated with manual processes and fragmented systems.
Central to this transition is the Port Community System (PCS), alongside the Federal Government’s National Single Window initiative, both designed to integrate port stakeholders, streamline documentation and enhance transparency.
Experts say full implementation could significantly cut cargo clearance times and reduce the cost of doing business—longstanding concerns among importers and exporters.
Operational reforms are also underway, focusing on reducing cargo dwell time, improving service delivery and ensuring faster clearance processes across terminals.
In parallel, the NPA is strengthening multimodal connectivity to support seamless cargo evacuation.
Rail integration, inland dry ports, barging operations and dedicated export corridors are being expanded to decongest seaports and improve nationwide logistics efficiency.
Dantsoho stressed that without efficient hinterland connectivity, gains made at the ports would be difficult to sustain.
Recognising the scale of investment required, the NPA is also deepening partnerships with private sector investors and global operators to drive sustainable growth and align Nigeria’s ports with international standards.
The expected impact of these reforms is significant: faster operations, lower logistics costs, increased trade volumes, higher government revenue and improved export competitiveness.
Analysts note that efficient ports could play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive, particularly by supporting non-oil exports and industrial expansion.
In his concluding remarks, Dantsoho framed the Federal Government’s reform agenda as a decisive shift from inefficiency to performance, expressing confidence that Nigeria can emerge as a preferred maritime gateway to West Africa.
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
AMJON Honours NPA’s Anda with ‘Most Resourceful Port Manager’ Award At 2026 Conference.
NPA Targets Nigerian Ports As West Africa’s Trade Nerve Centre, Taking Advantage of AfCFTA.
Greg Ogbeifun, Foremost Ship Owner, To Chair Event Marking the 10th Anniversary of AMSAY Conference.
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MARAN’s Appreciation Night for Former Presidents Showcased Pomp and Pageantry.
Tincan Port Customs Floors Smugglers, Nabs Massive Cannabis Indica Days After Pact with NDLEA.
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Capt Iheanacho Underscores the Critical Role of Media As MARAN Celebrates Past Leaders.
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NSW: Stakeholders Fear Success With Weak Commitment by Drivers and Lack of Reforms by Government.
Dantsoho, NPA MD, Attributes Maritime Sector Transformation to Reforms and Minister’s Leadership Style.
MARAN Confirms Readiness To Celebrate Past Presidents.
NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW: MACI, Hynek Host Parley To Address Risks and Concerns.
Akutah, Shippers’ Council Boss, Denies Political Distraction Claims, Insists He’s Focused on His Duties.
SINGLE WINDOW HICCUPS: Shippers’ Council, Revenue Service Canvass Waivers for Importers .
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
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HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
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