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.
Maritime Agencies
APAPA CUSTOMS’ Intelligence-led Operations Yield Massive Seizure of Cannabis Sativa, other Contrabands.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a significant demonstration of the ability to detect and dismantle sophisticated smuggling networks striving to exploit Nigeria’s maritime entry points for illicit activities, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Monday, intercepted a large consignment of cannabis sativa otherwise called ‘Canadian Loud’.
Recovered were 3,639 sachets of the illicit
substance, with each sachet weighing 500 grams. This brings the total weight to approximately 1,819 kilograms (1.81 as confirmed by preliminary field tests which yielded positive results for Cannabis Sativa.
The Command’s image maker, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman stated this in a release on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba .
Through her intelligence-driven monitoring, CSC Sulaiman explained, officers of the Command, working in liaison with sister agencies, successfully nabbed the drugs cleverly concealed inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, along with several bags and drums loaded inside a container with number CAAU7569127.
”In a related development, the Command intercepted 2 x 40FT containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products illegally imported into the country. Physical examination revealed that the pharmaceutical products have varied expiry dates of 2021, 2022 and 2023 which the importers planned to relabel and reintroduce into the Nigerian market, posing serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.”
”The 1 x 40FT with number PCIU8771576 contained expired pharmaceuticals including Cidoxilin Capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 Injection and Becoline B-Complex Injection while 1 x 40FT container with number MRKU4961275 contained various expired medical products such as Oxytocin Injection, Mexclor Eye Drops, Avomex Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Silymarin Tablets, Nystatin Tablets, Hyoscine Butylbromide Tablets.”
The seized items have a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦12,784,479,341.72k only.
The substantial seizure, the Command explained, highlights the scale of the attempted economic sabotage and underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to protect national security, public health and the Nigerian economy through intelligence-driven enforcement operations.
Commenting on the seizures, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba warned unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who deliberately engage in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals, declaring them as enemies of Nigeria’s progress.
”We have the intelligence, the technology and the resolve to identify and apprehend them. Anyone still contemplating these criminal acts should immediately desist because the consequences will be swift, decisive and uncompromising. Apapa Port will not be used as a conduit for economic sabotage and public health endangerment,” the CAC warned.
Assuring that Apapa Port and all Customs-controlled areas remain under constant surveillance, he further warned that the entire officers of the Command remain resolute in protecting the Nigerian economy, safeguarding public health and preventing criminal exploitation of the nation’s borders.
The CAC restated the Command’s commitment to intensify intelligence-driven operations in order to protect lives, secure legitimate trade and uphold national security.
Maritime Agencies
Greg Ogbeifun, Warredi Enisuoh, Task FG on Shipping Development as Platform Communications Marks 10th Anniversary.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chairman, Starzs Marine Investment Company Ltd and pioneer President of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Engr Greg Ogbeifun has hailed conscious efforts in the area of creating platforms that connect young and upcoming maritime professionals to interact with established industry practitioners as a major channel for mentorship and possible transfer of needed strategies that will facilitate growth, continuity and industrial sustainability.
Engr Ogbeifun spoke in Lagos, Wednesday, when he chaired the Annual Maritime Student and Youth (AMSAY) Conference hosted by Platforms Communications Company to commemorate a decade of operations. The event whose theme was ‘A Decade of AMSAY Conference: Eyes on the Horizon’, featured maritime industry bigwigs whose mission was to interact with and expose participating youths from various maritime training institutions to the rich experiences of industry veterans the sector has produced over time in order to properly equip them as they strive to step into the big shoes being left over by mother nature.
The foremost shipyard owner recalled significant contributions many practitioners have made, and are still making, to the development of the sector and counselled upcoming youngsters to remain focused, committed and resilient in their career aspirations because success in the maritime sector always comes through perseverance and tenacity irrespective of whatever may appear as huge challenges. He regretted that despite quality advocacy mounted by him and like minds, maritime development in Nigeria is not receiving the attention expected as is the case in other nations even less endowed. Many graduates of maritime training institutions still roam the streets in search of jobs even as most of them lack opportunities for sea- time experience, he regretted.
Speaking on the shortage of vessels for training future seafarers, Ogbeifun recalled earlier concerns in this direction. No professional, he explained, can become a competent maritime person worth the salt without undergoing training in a vessel. In the same token, no nation can claim to belong to the league of ship-owning nations if it cannot boast of indigenous vessels that can come in handy to practically train her seafarers. He tasked relevant agencies in a position to influence government to insist that home -sourced vessels must be in place, in other words, a national fleet. He described the absence of Nigerian-owned vessels as a major drawback and called on stakeholders to advocate for the revival of indigenous shipping companies as this is critical in offering engagement opportunities to aspiring seafarers. Rebuilding Nigeria’s shipping capacity, he argued, would not only strengthen the nation’s maritime industry but provide a sustainable platform for young professionals to build successful careers as they fly the national flag globally.
”The concern we old sailors have is when we look back, where are our successors? There are efforts to ensure continuity but the biggest challenge I identify wherever I go is having a seafarer without ships. That’s a big challenge in our industry, in our country. I cry about it every time I have a microphone because these children who attend academic institutions, when they come out, there’s nowhere to go to.”
However, he applauded efforts by NIMASA to address the issue even though he has reservations regarding the low percentage of attention.
Cadets-In-Training at the registration point
In his intervention on the topic ‘The Youth and the Future of Nigerian Maritime Sector: Understanding How Nations Develop their Maritime Industry,’ keynote speaker at the event, Capt Warredi Enisuoh attributed the soaring unemployment rate of Nigerian seafarers to the limited international recognition accorded training certificates obtained in-Nigeria. He lamented the discrimination and limited engagement opportunities this exposes them to at the international shipping industry despite standard training opportunities institutions such as MAN, Oron, and others take the cadets through as they train.
Capt Warredi Enisuoh
Enisuoh who is the Executive Director of Operations and Technical Services at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd commended government agencies and industry stakeholders for strengthening safety and security across the nation’s maritime domain. However, he picked holes in the areas of fleet expansion, shipping capacity and manpower development. He advised that to address the non-recognition of Nigerian maritime training certificates by several international shipping companies, the Federal Government and the training institutions must adopt more mutually- beneficial certificate recognition partnerships with leading maritime nations to open wider employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers across the international shipping chain.
On Nigeria’s inability to transport cargo originating from her shores, he referred to the case of China as a country that is able to control her cargo movement through indigenous fleets supply, thus enjoying stronger maritime capabilities, greater economic benefits and enhanced national security.
”Many advanced nations carry the bulk of their cargo with vessels they own. That capacity strengthens their economies and contributes significantly to their security architecture,’ he explained. He added that maritime fleets often serve strategic national interests especially during periods of conflict as some countries can deploy commercial vessels for military purposes when the need arises. He warned that Nigeria’s dependence on foreign-owned vessels for cargo movement makes her vulnerable and handicapped in cases of emergency.
Investment in ship ownership, maritime infrastructure and human capital development, Enisuoh warned, must be treated as a national priority not just a commercial necessity. He advised the Federal Government to implement steps to reverse years of neglect in the shipping sector as a strong national fleet is a strong pillar to support maritime security, economic resilience and sustainable national development.
Highlight of the event included the special recognition and posthumous awards bestowed on some prominent maritime icons now late. They are Otumba Kunle Folarin, Barr Margaret Orakwusi, Engr Olu Akinsoji and Dr Chris Asoluka.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical at the Tantita Security Services Ltd, will deliver the keynote speech at the 10th Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference (AMSAY) billed for June 10, 2026. Venue is the Conference Hall of the Mission To Seafarers, 29 Marine Road, Apapa GRA, Lagos.
As stated in a release, Enisuoh will speak on the lead paper entitled, “The Youth and the Future of Nigerian Maritime Sector: Understanding How Nations Develop Their Maritime Industry.”
Organised by Platforms Communications annually, the arrowhead, Sylvanus Obasi, says the AMSAY Conference has over the past decade evolved into a critical platform for youth advocacy, mentorship and stakeholders’-students engagement to discuss and proffer solutions to contemporary issues affecting the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector, having consistently driven conversations around industry reforms, capacity growth, innovation and sustainable development.
With over two decades of global experience spanning maritime operations, aviation, and national security, Captain Enisuoh is widely regarded as a leading authority in maritime safety, shipping development, and infrastructure protection in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He holds a Master Mariner Class 1 Unlimited Foreign Going License, an Aircraft Pilot’s License, and a Diploma in Aviation. His academic journey includes training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron; Arab Maritime Transport Academy, Egypt; Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania; Tasmanian Aviation College; and the Swiss Air Training Centre in Zurich.
Over the years, he has held strategic roles across continents, including eight years with Pacific International Lines in Singapore and six years with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). He also served as a lecturer, instructor, course developer, and examiner at the Australian Maritime College.
In Nigeria, he contributed significantly to sectoral development during his tenure at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), where he served as Director of Maritime Safety and Director of Shipping Development.
Capt Warredi”s Keynote Speech will also feature a high-level panel discussion moderated by Captain Dr. Fola Ojutalayo, Marine Surveyor and Senior Lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
Panelists are drawn from diverse segments of the maritime industry, including regulators, shipowners, local content experts, technical professionals, legal practitioners, operators, and the academia as representatives from NIMASA, Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, are expected to discuss the lead paper .
APAPA CUSTOMS’ Intelligence-led Operations Yield Massive Seizure of Cannabis Sativa, other Contrabands.
Greg Ogbeifun, Warredi Enisuoh, Task FG on Shipping Development as Platform Communications Marks 10th Anniversary.
Capt Warredi Enisuoh Set To Deliver Keynote Speech At 10th AMSAY Conference.
Ports Police Seek Stronger Media Collaboration to Boost Maritime Security.
New MARAN Leadership Set for Inauguration, June 23.
NIMASA Urges Ethical Journalism, Stronger Media Partnership to Drive Blue Economy Growth. …As MARAN condoles agency over staff’s Death.
CHANGE OF BATON at PTML Customs, Miko Replaces Joe Anani.
Comptroller Anani Succeeds ACG Onyeka as Tincan Customs CAC, Pledges to Build on Lofty Achievements.
REPORTER’S DIARY: How Lagos State Task Force Made Me ‘Igbobi Landlord’ For Filming Operatives Extorting Suspected ‘Okada’ Operators In Apapa*
Tantita Donates 15 Gun Boats to Nigerian Army, Navy.
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
OGUN AREA 1 CUSTOMS Dares Smugglers, Confiscates Contrabands Worth N6.7Bn in 5 Weeks.
NPA Mourns her Ace Cameraman, Paul Erakhifu, alias “Texas”.
MARAN Elects Yinka Onigbinde As New President.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
Photo News: Salah Celebration
B’Odogwu: Apapa Customs Collects ₦161b in 3 Weeks, Assures of Improvements .
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNew MARAN Leadership Set for Inauguration, June 23.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNIMASA Urges Ethical Journalism, Stronger Media Partnership to Drive Blue Economy Growth. …As MARAN condoles agency over staff’s Death.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoCHANGE OF BATON at PTML Customs, Miko Replaces Joe Anani.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPorts Police Seek Stronger Media Collaboration to Boost Maritime Security.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoCapt Warredi Enisuoh Set To Deliver Keynote Speech At 10th AMSAY Conference.
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Maritime Agencies4 days agoGreg Ogbeifun, Warredi Enisuoh, Task FG on Shipping Development as Platform Communications Marks 10th Anniversary.
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Maritime Agencies2 days agoAPAPA CUSTOMS’ Intelligence-led Operations Yield Massive Seizure of Cannabis Sativa, other Contrabands.