Headlines

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

Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.