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Nigeria waters, fourth most dangerous shipping routes in the world

While of course, the global shipping industry is vital for trade and commerce, it is also susceptible to piracy, accidents, and territorial conflicts. Some of the most dangerous shipping lanes in the world pose significant risks to vessels and their crew, as well as the environment. This article will deeply explore the ten most dangerous waters in the world, detailing the hazards and dangers they present and the measures being taken to ensure the safety of vessels transiting through these areas.
1. SOMALIA
Somalia has been plagued by piracy for many years, with the waters off its coast witnessing 435 piracy incidents between 2009 and 2013. The situation peaked in 2011 with 237 attacks recorded. Although attacks have decreased significantly in recent times due to Operation Atalanta, also known as the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia, the risk of being approached or attacked remains high.
SOMALI PIRATES ARE STILL A MAJOR PROBLEM
Somali pirates are often armed with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, launching attacks from skiffs that are deployed from mother vessels.
Despite the decrease in piracy incidents, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has warned against complacency, stating that the threat of Somali piracy is still evident and something to highly consider while transiting the most dangerous waters, near Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
2. INDONESIA
The Indonesian east coast experienced 288 piracy incidents between 2009 and 2013. Despite patrolling efforts by the Indonesian Marine Police, piracy attacks continue to occur in the region, particularly in the waters off Tanjung Priok, Bintan Island, Karimun Island, and Belawan anchorage.
RISING PIRACY IN THE WATERS NEAR INDONESIA
Piracy in Indonesia has risen by 700% over the years, with 106 actual or attempted incidents reported in 2013. Most attacks are characterized as “local, low-level opportunistic thefts,” but some are more organized and violent, such as the hijacking of the Thai-flagged oil tanker MT Orapin 4 in 2014.
3. GULF OF ADEN
The waters off the Gulf of Aden have witnessed 226 piracy incidents between 2009 and 2013, primarily carried out by Somali pirates. However, joint efforts by navies in the region and the implementation of best management practices have helped reduce the number of incidents.
MARITIME SECURITY MEASURES IN THE GULF OF ADEN
The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) established the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the region, and the EUNAVFOR – Operation Atalanta fleet is actively protecting merchant vessels in the area. Despite these efforts, the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a natural chokepoint between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, remains an area of concern for vessels transiting the Europe-Asia shipping route.
4. NIGERIA
The Nigerian coast and surrounding waters have experienced 116 piracy incidents between 2009 and 2013. Unlike Somali pirates, who generally demand ransoms, Nigerian hijackers often steal oil cargo and sell it on the black market.
WEST AFRICAN PIRACY NEAR NIGERIA
The frequency of attacks in West African waters has surpassed those in East Africa since 2012, with the Nigerian coast being the highest risk area.
The Gulf of Guinea has also seen an increase in piracy, further demonstrating the serious nature and expanding range and capability of Nigerian piracy operations.
5. RED SEA
The Red Sea is a key commercial shipping route between Europe and Asia, with 94 piracy incidents reported in the last five years. While hijackings and boardings generally occur further south in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea has also been a target for piracy.
COUNTER-PIRACY EFFORTS IN THE RED SEA
Military anti-piracy missions and preventive measures, such as the placement of armed guards on merchant’s vessels, have helped to reduce the number of attacks in the Red Sea. However, pirates still pose a threat to vessels transiting through the area.
6. STRAIT OF MALACCA
The Strait of Malacca is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, connecting the Persian Gulf oil suppliers with the Asian markets of China, Japan, and South Korea.
The strait has seen 79 piracy incidents in the past five years, with attacks decreasing due to anti-piracy operations by the navies of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
PIRATE ATTACKS IN THE STRAIGHT OF MALACCA
Pirate attacks in the Strait of Malacca often occur near islets, making vessels in the area particularly vulnerable. In 2014, the St Kitts and Nevis-flagged product tanker MT NaniWa Maru No.1 was hijacked by armed pirates, who unloaded the oil cargo and looted the ship before escaping with hostages.
7. BANGLADESH
Bangladesh has experienced 74 piracy and armed robbery incidents in the last five years, with ten incidents reported in the first half of 2014. The port of Chittagong is the most affected area, with ships preparing to anchor being affected areas particularly vulnerable to attacks.
ANTI-PIRACY EFFORTS NEAR BANGLADESH
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has made efforts to reduce piracy in the region, but corruption within law enforcement agencies and poverty-induced criminality continue to exacerbate the problem.
Regional navies have also been working together to counter piracy, participating in joint exercises focused on maritime security threats.
8. SOUTH CHINA SEA
Despite the efforts of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), the South China Sea has seen 63 piracy attacks in the last five years, especially around the Anambas, Natuna, and Mangkai islands and Merundung.
ORGANIZED CRIME IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Pirates targeting small tankers in the South China Sea are thought to be “highly organized criminal professionals” with knowledge of how to disable a ship’s critical systems.
In response to the threat, the IMB issued a warning to all ships, particularly small tankers, to maintain strict anti-piracy measures while operating in the area.
9. INDIA
India has witnessed 45 piracy and armed robbery incidents from 2009 to 2013, with four incidents reported in the first half of 2014.
The Western Indian seaport of Kandla is the most piracy-prone area in the country, with incidents also occurring in Kochi and Visakhapatnam.
COUNTER-PIRACY EFFORTS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
India has been active in counter-piracy efforts beyond its own coastlines, with the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Arabian Sea. Indian naval ships have foiled over 40 piracy attempts since their deployment in October 2008.
10. SINGAPORE STRAIT
The Singapore Strait is a vital waterway that links the Strait of Malacca with the South China Sea. With over 38 piracy incidents in the last five years and six incidents in the first half of 2014, the strait remains a hotspot for piracy.
REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE SINGAPORE STRAIGHT
Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand have been conducting air patrols under the Eyes-in-the-Sky (EiS) initiative to protect merchant shipping in the Singapore and Malacca Straits. The United States has also joined ReCAAP to help fight piracy in the region.
In conclusion, while maritime authorities and navies have made progress in countering piracy and ensuring the safety of vessels in the most dangerous shipping lanes and oceans, continued vigilance and cooperation are essential in maintaining secure and efficient global trade.
HERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MOST DANGEROUS WATERS TO TRANSIT:
WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS SHIPPING ROUTE?
The most dangerous shipping route is the Drake Passage, known for its unpredictable and extreme weather events, conditions and rough waters. It is considered one of the most treacherous maritime routes in the world.
WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS STRAIT IN THE WORLD?
The most dangerous strait in the world’s name is also the Drake Passage. It lies between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, making the journey through it a challenging and perilous route for ships to navigate.
WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS SEA TO CROSS?
The most dangerous sea to cross is the Irminger Sea, which is notorious for its harsh weather and rough ocean waters. It poses significant challenges and danger in rough weather for ships and sailors, making it a risky area for navigation
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Customs

Tin Can Customs hits 1 trillion naira revenue harvest 

as PTML customs generates N288.3 billion in 11 months 
Funso OLOJO
For the first time in the history of the Tin Can Customs command of the Nigeria Customs command, the command has hit a trillion naira revenue haul, thus joining the Apapa Customs command in the exclusive club of trillion naira leaguers.
According to Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Area Controller of the command, the second highest revenue yeilding command grossed the sum of One Trillion, Forty Six Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety Six Million, Five Hundred and Ninety Three Thousand, One Hundred and Three Naira Sixty Kobo (1,046,496,593,103.60) as at November 7th, 2024.
Nnadi, who was excited by the record revenue, dedicated the rare feat to the  Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and his management team.
“The Command acknowledges the specific roles of the DCG Tariff and Trade and the DCG ICT /Modernization for their contributions too.
“Aware that a secured border will translate to more revenue at the seaports, we also appreciate the support of the DCG Enforcement, Investigation & Inspection in enforcing compliance among our stakeholders leading to the increased revenue in the Command.
“While we celebrate our esteemed stakeholders who embraced our reforms and complied with Customs extant laws and guidelines, those who did not are regretting their loss and the pain of non compliance”
In addition, the command intercepted and seized 16 containers of  illicit substances, unregistered pharmaceutical products and other items seized by the Command.
“Summary of drug importation activities at Tincan Island Port:
Total Containers: 16 containers were discharged from May 17 to October 23, 2024.
Drugs Imported:
Codeine-based products: Numerous shipments of cough syrups with codeine; Barcadin with Codeine, Broncleer with Codeine, and DSP with Codeine for throat and chesty cough (100ml, 200 bottles per carton).
“Tapentadol & Carisoprodol: 420 cartons of Royal 225 (Tapentadol HVCL 125mg and Carisoprodol BP 100mg).
Benzhexol Tablets: 200 cartons of 5mg Benzhexol Tablets (Brand: Trodal).
“Cannabis Indica: 77 packets (38.5kg), 532 packets (265.025kg), and 75 packets (37.5kg).
“Diclofenac Sodium Tablets: Really Extra brand (50mg, 100 packs per carton).
Other goods: Ceiling fans, Deluxe Chilli Cutters, stainless steel blenders, BiomalArtesunate Injection.
“Vessels of Importation:
SpilKartika (Hapag Lloyd, voyage No. 2417W)
Volana (Hapag Lloyd, voyage Nos. 2416W, 2421W)
Maliako (Hapag Lloyd, voyage No. 2421W)
WadiBani Khalid (Hapag Lloyd, voyage Nos. 2423W)
MSC Sweden VI and MSC Katyayni NY427A.
“Countries of Origin:
India (Barcadin, Diclofenac Tablets, Benzhexol, CSP with Codeine)
United Kingdom (BiomalArtesunate Injection)
Canada (Cannabis Indica).
“These containers were inspected by multiple enforcement agencies including Customs, NDLEA, and NAFDAC.
“Recall that on October 2, 2024, the Tincan Island Port Command officially handed over 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 341.025 kg, with an estimated street value of ₦682,050,000.00.
“These narcotics were discovered in three 40ft containers Nos: MSMU 518030/2, MSMU 602957/0, and FSCU 927461/3), as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen interagency collaboration and coordination.
 “Consequently, we are handing over an additional 13 Containers of Unregistered pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC.
 “Total Duty Paid Value for the 16 containers is approximately N37, 000,000,000.00 (Thirty Seven Billion Naira Only) with details as follows:
“Tramadol – 920 cartons in 2x40FT containers worth N23B
Codeine – 1,894,600 bottles in 11x40FT containers worth N13B
Cannabis Indica- 341kg in 3X40 containers worth  N682M
“The Command in particular and the Service in general will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at our disposal and in collaboration with local and foreign partner security and regulatory agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products into the country.
“We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate.
“Aware that yuletide is around the corner, I wish to reassure all our stakeholders that the Command will partner with those who are compliant to ensure there are no delays in their cargo delivery.
 “Similarly, we are also using this opportunity to inform those who will dare our resolve that we are ready to enforce the requirements of our law.
Meanwhile, the PTML Command also generatesld N288.3b in 11 months which it makes seizures of N28.4 million.
According to the Area Controller of the command, Controller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, the revenue generated during the period under review was 34.8% higher than the N213,914,304,888.11 that was realized from January to October , 2023.
“The Command under the leadership of Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan broke the monthly revenue record in the month of October 2024 with a collection of N44,021,583,356(forty four billion, twenty one million, five hundred and eighty three thousand, three hundred and fifty six naira)
“Comptroller  Daniyan while  describing the October 2024 monthly collection as the highest in the history of the command, expressed confidence in the ability of his officers and men to surpass the record.
“The Customs Area Controller attributed the command’s achievements to a combination of hard work by officers, compliance by port users and cooperation of sister government agencies in the port.
” In the command’s  anti-smuggling efforts , some seizures were made within the period under review and the three suspects who were detained in respect of the seizures have been granted  administrative bail.
“The seized items worth  a total of N28,478,034.76 Duty Paid Value (DPV). Some of the items discovered in a 40ft container, No ACLU9664782 include: 2,598 pieces of used motor tyres, 12 pieces of used washing machines, 6 pieces of used fridges, 8 pieces of used motor radiator, 36 pieces of used Rim cover, 8 pieces of used rug carpets, 2 pieces of used mattresses, 2 pieces of used wash hand basin, 2 bags containing used clothes, shoes and bags.
“Another  40ft container , No ACLU9810594 contained 56 bags of premium parboiled rice (45.4kg each), 18 bags of Rice land parboiled rice (22.68kg each), 15 bags of premium parboiled rice (11.34kg each), 20 bags of premium parboiled rice (4.5kg each), 18 kegs of soybean vegetable oil (15.87kg each).
“Other seizures were : Twelve (12) rounds of 9mm Luger FC Black ammunition and one (1) 9mm Luger live ammunition extracted from one used Mazda CX5 , Ten (10) rounds of NIM FC 30-30 blank ammunition, two (2) rounds of 7.62mm x 39 AK hollow ammunition, Three (3) rounds of WCC NIM Luger 9mm live ammunition and Four (4) rounds of C hollow ammunition extracted from one used Toyota Tacoma, Fifty (50) rounds of 76mm live cartridges and one hundred and nine (109) empty shells of 76mm, 70mm, and other calibres extracted from one used Toyota Tacoma and Fifty-one (1) rounds of 12GA Winchester live cartridges extracted from one used Lexus RX350
“Other seizures made this year include One (1) made in China SIGSAUER 1911 pistol with serial No: UO3130962526 extracted from one used Toyota Sienna One (1) Glock 22 Austria pistol with serial No: KNT003 and thirteen (13) rounds of 9mm hollow ammunition extracted from one used Toyota Tacoma , Five (5) rounds of 12GA live cartridges extracted from one used Toyota Tundra.
“Comptroller Daniyan said ” We must rededicate ourselves to serving our country diligently, firstly as patriotic citizens and as customs officers with mandates to work for the development of our national economy.
” The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, have a lot of confidence in our ability to deliver excellently as officers with capabilities to use modern trade facilitation tools and platforms like the recently launched B’Odogwu platform, which is being deployed first in our command as a pilot area.
“As we work into the yuletide period, seeing to the end of 2024,let us continue sustaining two hours cargo clearance for compliant RoRo consignment, collect maximum revenue without compromising on diligent examination to detect concealment, under valuation and false declaration” the CAC said.
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EFCC opens chemical forensics laboratory in Port Harcourt 

The Eyewitness Reporter

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr.  Ola Olukoyede, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, commissioned  a Chemical Forensics Laboratory in its Port Harcourt Directorate, Rivers State.

The lab is meant to enhance and fast-track the commission’s oil and gas investigations and strengthen its Extractive Industry Fraud  Section.

The Laboratory, which took two years to build, would enable the EFCC to conduct comprehensive analysis of  petroleum products and crude oil samples for investigative and prosecutorial activities

Olukoyede described the project as a significant milestone in the history of the Commission in its journey towards advancing transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

“We celebrate a significant milestone in the Commission’s journey towards advancing transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector”, he said.

He explained that the Commission,  over the years, was relying on external agencies like the Nigeria National Petroleum Company, NNPC and Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, for its product and sample analyses which often caused delays in critical oil and gas-related investigations.

He expressed appreciation to the MacArthur Foundation for funding the project and strengthening the fight against corruption in Nigeria, as well as the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD for  supervising and guiding the project from inception to its completion.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation for their unwavering commitment to strengthening anti-corruption institutions in Nigeria, and to our implementing partners, CDD, for guiding this project from inception to this important milestone”, he said.

The Head, Programs, CDD, Mary Okpe in her remarks stated that the support for the project was not only to enhance the technical capabilities of the EFCC alone, but also to serve as a beacon of progress for all anti-corruption agencies within the country.

She further added that the facility will empower investigative bodies with essential resources to conduct more accurate, scientific analyses in their cases and foster a culture of evidence-based accountability.

Port Harcourt’s Acting Zonal Director,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE1 Adebayo Adeniyi, also expressed appreciation to  MacArthur Foundation and CDD  “for believing in our mission and for empowering us with the tools needed to serve the Nigerian people and the world at large”.

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Marine and Blue Economy sector holds better prospects for Nigerian youths– Oyetola 

Funso OLOJO 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has advised Nigerian youths to take advantage of the countless opportunities in the sector as they have better prospects.

Oyetola made this call on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 at  the 2024 International Conference, titled, ‘Advancing Entrepreneurship Education and Practice for Sustainable Development in Africa,”

The event was organized by the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies (IFEDS), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The Minister, represented by the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, said that the blue economy sector promises a wealth of benefits for the growing youth population of Nigeria.

Oyetola highlighted the opportunities in the blue economy to constitute a spectrum of economic activities which include maritime shipping, the construction and repair of ships, port infrastructure and services, coastal tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, and generation of renewable energy offshore.

“Others are seabed mining; underwater cabling; marine biotechnology (in support of the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors); maritime education, research, and consultancy services; protection and restoration of marine habitats; water desalination and waste disposal.

He, however, called on academic institutions across the country to work together with the government to harness the numerous potential inherent in the nation’s ocean and coastal resources

“The Marine and Blue Economy represents a blue gold mine of entrepreneurial opportunities for African entrepreneurs and researchers.

“By harnessing innovation, embracing sustainability, and fostering collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector, we can create a thriving marine and blue economy that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s sustainable development.

“The Marine and Blue Economy represents a frontier of immense potential for Nigeria and indeed, all of Africa.

” It is a sector that, if harnessed correctly, can drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute significantly to our national and continental GDP”, the Minister said.

The minister, further stated that the blue economy sector promises a wealth of benefits for the growing youth population of the beloved nation.

According to him, the sector offered scope for innovation, sustainable growth, and fruitful entrepreneurial paths, saying the economic prospects offered by our blue economy are substantial and remarkable.

Other dignitaries at the Conference were the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Adebayo Someone Banire, Director-General, National Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Dr. Richard Akinola, the Chief of Staff to the Minister.

Nigeria has an expansive coastline of 853 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean and a maritime area of 46,000 square kilometers within the Gulf of Guinea.

 Its marine resources are both vast and varied. Our exclusive economic zone spans over 200 nautical miles, achieving a recent extension of 16,300 square kilometers – approximately five times the size of Lagos State.

“Additionally, Nigeria features an extensive resource of inland waterways, with the potential to support an intra-regional trade sphere through a length of 10,000 kilometers.

“Strategically situated navigational routes link Africa with North and South America, Europe, and Asia, making the maritime sector a crucial catalyst of our nation’s economy.

“Thus, the blue economy sector promises a wealth of benefits for the growing youth population of our beloved nation, offering scope for innovation, sustainable growth, and fruitful entrepreneurial paths. The economic prospects offered by our blue economy are substantial and remarkable.”

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