Headlines

Nigeria ready for war against piracy —-as NIMASA takes delivery of last batch of deep blue assets

Eyewitness reporter

Nigeria seemed to have primed its war chest against pirate attacks on its waters as it is now prepared to deploy its full arsenals against the menace.

The country signalled its unwavering commitment to eradicating piracy through its three-prongs approach on land, sea and air when the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the executing agency, took delivery of the last batch of the hard wares of the war chest.

Emboldened by the arsenals at his disposal, the Director-General NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said pirates can no longer stand any chance of the superior fire powers of the deep blue marshals who are now armed with sophisticated wares of the project which shall be deployed soon.

While taking delivery of special mission aircraft, one of the last batch of the assets of the project, Jamoh declared that the final phase of the delivery and installation of assets under the Deep Blue Project was designed to secure Nigerian waters up to the Gulf of Guinea.

Jamoh who had earlier inspected three Special Mission Helicopters at the Naval Base, Apapa, under the project billed for launch on May 21st, was in the company of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, and NIMASA’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Chudi Offodile.

Speaking at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, during a brief ceremony to mark the arrival of the aircraft, Jamoh said the assets would further improve security in Nigerian waters.

He claimed that piracy in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has reduced with the deployment of the Deep Blue Project assets, saying the goal is to eliminate such incidents completely.

“There has been a drastic decrease in the rate of security breaches in our waters in recent times. This is a clear indication that we are getting it right with the Deep Blue Project.

“The figures we are getting from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) are encouraging. We ultimately aim to completely eradicate security hindrances to shipping and business generally in the Nigerian maritime domain.”

IMB, a specialised division of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), is the global focal point in the fight against maritime crimes and malpractices. The organisation has in recent months reported a consistent year-on-year drop in the number of attacks on ships in Nigerian waters.

The latest IMB quarterly report of piracy and armed robbery against ships recorded only two incidents in Nigerian waters between January and March this year, compared to 11 attacks within the same period last year.

“These figures are proof that we can make our waters safe and secure, and we are determined to do so,” Jamoh stated. “Today, we are here to receive the final phase of assets under the Deep Blue Project to further boost our capacity to secure our waters up to the Gulf of Guinea,” he added.

The Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, popularly called the Deep Blue Project, is designed with three categories of platforms to tackle maritime security issues on land, sea, and air.

The land assets comprise the Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence Centre (C4i) for intelligence gathering and data collection; 16 armoured vehicles for coastal patrol; and about 600 specially trained troops for interdiction, known as Maritime Security Unit.

On air, there are two Special Mission Aircraft for surveillance of the EEZ, one of which was received Wednesday, with the second expected to arrive May 18th; three Special Mission Helicopters for search and rescue; and four Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The sea assets consist of two Special Mission Vessels and 17 Fast Interceptor Boats.

Customs

Apapa Customs intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine on board Brazilian Ship

— hands over detained ship, seized drug to NDLEA

Funso OLOJO

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered Cocaine weighing 25.5kg onboard a Brazilian ship, MV San Anthonio

The illicit drugs, packaged in 24 parcels/slabs ,were hidden in five bags found aboard the ship during customs intelligence -led checks that has resulted in the detention of the ship

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba,Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command ,lauded the discovery while describing it as a fallout of the robust synergy between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) .

According to the Area Controller, Customs intelligence discovered that upon her departure from Brazil, which is the ship’s country of origin, she had called at ports in Honduras, Guatemala and other places suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trade.

Oshoba reiterated the NCS resolve in ensuring only legitimate trade thrives in the port of Apapa in Lagos, following a zero compromise directive by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further action, he also announced the detention of the vessel that came into Nigeria with the cocaine.

“What has happened today, is the outcome of profiling and intelligence -led operations by the NCS and NDLEA.

“Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is refreshed daily following the directives of the CGC.

” This seizure and detention of the ship should send strong message of warning that should resonate in the camp of perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system.

* Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies and no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here.

” As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and economy on the altar of trade facilitation.

“All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined with the contents ascertained to be what was declared” the CAC said.

At a brief handover ceremony,in the port,the NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander, Apapa Strategic Command, who formally took over the seizure from customs

Customs

My appointment as WCO chair reflects confidence of global community in NCS reforms — Adeniyi

Funso OLOJO

The Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, said his recent election signals a broader recognition of the growing reform-driven credibility of African Customs administrations, with Nigeria’s recent modernization efforts serving as a strong example of the continent’s readiness to influence global customs policies.

Speaking exclusively on WCO Global interview session, Adeniyi said the confidence expressed in him by member nations reflects not only personal honour, but also the significant progress made by Nigeria in aligning its systems, procedures, and priorities with international best practices.

Answering questions on the WCO flagship interactive forum tagged “The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, Adeniyi who is also, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said: “It’s a kind of endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track.

” We have been undertaking reforms and modernization programmes in the last two years, and this validates the direction we are taking.” he said.

He noted that Africa’s customs landscape is rapidly changing, with several administrations leveraging WCO guidance to strengthen trade facilitation, improve revenue outcomes, and enhance border security.

Nigeria’s experience, he said, demonstrates how structured reforms, supported by international frameworks, can reposition a national customs service.

Speaking further on the Nigeria experience, Adeniyi pointed to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme as one of the most transformative initiatives Nigeria has implemented with support from the WCO.

According to him, the scheme has reduced clearance times at ports, improved revenue performance and fostered trusted partnerships with compliant traders—outcomes that reflect the effectiveness of global standards when domesticated with commitment.

He described the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and recent work on advance rulings as additional markers of how global customs programmes can change narratives, especially in developing economies.

Adeniyi also underscored the importance of the WCO as a stabilising force for customs administrations around the world, saying its ability to unify diverse countries around shared priorities—economic prosperity, national security, and environmental sustainability—makes it a unique institution.

He affirmed that his appointment as WCO is a honour for him and a recognition for the Nigeria Customs Service.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Customs administration has been undertaking some reforms and mordernisation programmes in the last two years.

“So it will also mean that this appointment is a kind of validation of the reforms that we are doing.

“It a kind of endorsement by the global Customs community that we are on track and we are aligning our priorities with that of World Customs Organisation”, he said.

On the appointment, he said, “I feel so excited. Of course, I know that it’s a very big responsibility on my part and on the part of Nigeria for us to shoulder this and provide quality leadership for the world Customs community

As the first Nigerian to hold the position in nearly two decades, Adeniyi said he is aware of the responsibility his chairmanship places on his country and the African region.

He pledged to use the platform to elevate the continent’s contributions while fostering an inclusive governance approach within the global customs system.

He encouraged member administrations to continue embracing diversity, describing it as the core strength that will enable the WCO to advance global trade and security objectives.

“Our uniqueness is our strength,” he said. “We must let this diversity continue to create opportunity and progress for us.” he noted.

Headlines

TransQuest magazine marks 20 years of excellence with awards, seminar in Lagos

Gloria Odion

The Quest Media Group, publishers of TransQuest monthly magazine and online platform Transquestng.com, is set to mark its 20th anniversary with One-Day Transport Seminar and Quest Awardees event on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

Billed as part of the organisation’s event to mark its 20 years of operations, the occasion will bring together major institutions and leading figures across Nigeria’s transport and maritime ecosystem for strategic dialogue, sector evaluation, and the recognition of outstanding contributors.

With the theme “Leveraging Nigeria’s Maritime Potentials to Drive Economic Growth,” the seminar will be chaired by a renowned Transport Scholar, Professor Bamidele Badejo, while Professor Iyiola Oni of the University of Lagos will serve as the main Guest Speaker, as well as Mr. Lucky Amiwero, a renowned Maritime Consultant.

According to the convener and Publisher of TransQuest magazine, Mr. Felix Kumuyi, the anniversary event reflects two decades of undiluted, consistent, watchdog-driven reportage of the maritime and transport sector.

He noted that the seminar is deliberately structured to deliver real value to national policy conversations while strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.

The event is expected to host a powerful lineup of special guests and award recipients, including the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima MON; the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa.

Also attending are top security and enforcement leaders such as ACG Mohammed Babandede, Coordinator of Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service; Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command of NDLEA; Prince Olayiwola Shittu (JP), CEO of Skelas Group; Mrs. Ezenwa, CEO of Le’look Nigeria Ltd and former Director at the Federal Ministry of Transport; Dr. Eugene Nweke.

Others include Alhaji Adetona Mobashir, Chairman and CEO of Only God is Wise Nigeria Ltd; Otunba Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council; as well as Customs Area Controllers including Compt. Frank Onyeka of Tin can Command, Compt. Godwin Otunla of Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Compt. Emmanuel Oshoba of Apapa Command, Compt. Joe Anani of PTML Command, Compt. Wale Adenuga of Seme Command, among others.

The event will feature a thought-provoking symposium, interactive discussions, and presentations of awards to organisations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in the nation’s transport and maritime sectors.

Kumuyi added that beyond honouring industry trailblazers, the ceremony aims to deepen collaboration, promote best practices, and stimulate reforms needed to unlock Nigeria’s maritime economic potential.