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Tompolo company, Tantita, accuses MT Vinnalaris of oil theft in Nigeria since 2018

The 77meters Motor Tanker, MT Vinnalaris,
 The Eyewitness Reporter
The Head of Technical and Operations, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, has given fresh revelation on the 77meters Motor Tanker, MT Vinnalaris, which was arrested by the Nigerian Navy on December 7, 2023, stating that the ship has been operating on Nigeria’s waters since 2018.
Enisuoh also disclosed that the Motor  Tanker had successfully changed its name four times in the last five years of its operation in Nigeria, flagging first as Sierra Leonean in 2018.
Enisuoh while speaking on the “Morning Show” on Arise Television, shared that Tantita had gotten Intel on the 10th of November that the ship was departing Ghana into Nigeria with the intention to steal oil.
“The ship started stealing oil from Nigeria in 2018. We weren’t present at that time. It departed Ghana with the intention to come and steal crude oil in Nigeria.
“This was around 10th of November this year. We knew about it. We knew the ship is well-connected.
“And we followed the ship till it switched off its electronic signature about three weeks ago.
“We had to create an umbrella over the Niger Delta region. And we kept monitoring. And let me tell you the history of the ship.
“First, Sierra Leonean flag stealing from Nigeria. Nobody could catch it. We were not here at the time.
” Second, it came closer to Nigeria, possibly scared of the previous administration’s stand against this oil theft. It kept its flag as to believe.
“But see something very ironic, May this year, it changed its flag to Nigeria. How ironic. It must be connected to somebody who thinks he has won and can steal now.
” When we caught this particular ship, we followed it for over a month till we got intelligence that yes, it is illegal.”
Enisuoh has shared that Tantita reports to the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC), contain the names of persons involved in the arrested 77meter Motor Tanker Vinnalaris, which it is awaiting instructions on before publishing.
“We left in the morning to make sure that we secure the ship. We got there but on our way there, we got further intelligence that it had got four AK-47 with banks of ammunition on board. They are becoming smarter.
Enisuoh stated that the oil which was tapped from an oil well suspected to be from Consolidated oil, was facilitated by a Nigerian male whose phone number is known by Tantita and who is currently on the run.
He explained that the ship’s management is registered at Odessa, Ukraine adding that there are layers to the story which TSSNL is still investigating.
“The fellow is on the run. He is a Nigerian. He lives in Benin. If we reveal him here, he won’t come. He is on the run.
“We have his phone number and we have everything. He is an expert in connecting these hoses. And this is not the first time in that area.
” That area is notorious and well-known for ships coming to do this. So, he just went straight to the platform, hooks on to the supply couple and load”, de said.
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NPA shines as Outstanding Agency of the Year 2025 at Champions newspaper Awards ceremony 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has won another award as the Outstanding Agency of the Year 2025 conferred on the agency by Champions Newspaper at its 2025 Awards ceremony held in Lagos.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Managing Director of the Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, described the award as recognition of Danthoso  vigorous leadership in implementing smart initiatives that align with the NPA’s vision to become the Maritime Logistics Hub for Sustainable Port Services in Africa.
The NPA MD highlighted the invaluable support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, which he said has been instrumental in achieving these remarkable successes.
According Dantsoho, some of the key remarkable performances of NPA include sustained port efficiencies, which contributed  to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surplus of ₦7.5 trillion and ₦6.7 trillion in Q2 and Q3 2025 (per NBS and NESG reports), driven mainly by exports via NPA platforms.
He also mentioned the successful execution of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy for crude and petroleum product sales in Naira, saving billions in FOREX, enhancing energy security, improving trade balance, and creating jobs.
Others include completion of Nigeria’s membership in the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA), paving the way for the National Single Window (NSW) project, technical guidance enabling a significant rise in transhipment cargo at Lekki Deep Seaport, serving landlocked neighbours and recovering cargo lost to competing ports.
Another achievement made under the leadership of Danthoso was his electorial victory as the President of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA), with Dr. Dantsoho also leading PAPC, boosting Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and securing re-admission to IMO Category C.
Champions Newspaper conferred the award in appreciation of NPA’s pivotal role as a leading trade facilitation platform driving national economic prosperity through Nigeria’s maritime endowments.
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Anti-Corruption Group Commends FG on National Single Window Initiative

Gloria Odion,Maritime Reporter 
The Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI), a leading non-governmental organization(NGO), has applauded the Federal Government’s forthcoming launch of the National Single Window (NSW), a centralized platform designed to integrate all transactions and interactions with public agencies.
In a joint press release, Captain Adamu Mishela (Chairman) and Funso Olojo (Secretary General) emphasized the significance of the NSW as a groundbreaking reform aimed at streamlining trade procedures, enhancing transparency, and strengthening integrity across the public sector.
Originally introduced nearly two years ago by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NSW represents a major fiscal reform intended to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Captain Mishela noted that MACI believes the initiative will minimize opportunities for corrupt practices, accelerate service delivery for citizens and businesses, and restore public confidence in government institutions
MACI reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public resources, upholding the rule of law, and promoting transparency.
 The organization also expressed readiness to collaborate with government agencies, private sector partners, civil society, and the wider public to ensure the NSW achieves its objectives, mitigates risks, and serves as a strong defense against corruption.
In support of the NSW project, MACI is set to hold a seminar with the theme “Tamper-Proof National Single Window” to ensure that the initiative succeeds where other reforms before it faltered.
This initiative marks a significant step toward building a more open, accountable, and citizen-focused public sector in Nigeria.
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Alake of Egbaland identifies with NANTA @50 celebration at Ibadan 

Alake of Egbaland identifies with NANTA @50 celebration at Ibadan
Geraldine Samuel
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has assured the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) of his royal presence at the association’s Golden Jubilee celebration and Annual General Meeting scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, in April.
The revered monarch gave the assurance on Thursday, March14th, 2026 when he received members of the NANTA AGM Planning Committee, led by Mrs. Lola Adewole, at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.
Oba Gbadebo commended the association for its resilience and unity over the past five decades, noting that sustaining a professional body for 50 years reflects commitment, strong leadership, and shared vision among its members.
He also prayed for the continued growth and impactful contributions of the association to Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector.
According to the monarch, NANTA has consistently promoted Nigerian culture and the travel trade industry, earning an exemplary status that other professional associations and groups should emulate.
The Alake further assured the delegation that he would personally attend and grace the anniversary event, adding that Egbaland and Ibadan share deep historical, cultural, and traditional ties.
Earlier, the leader of the NANTA delegation, Mrs. Lola Adewole, who was accompanied by the association’s Second National Deputy President, Dr. Tokunbo Dagunduro, and Financial Secretary, Mr. Yinka Ladipo, informed the monarch that NANTA has always promoted Nigeria’s cultural tourism offerings as a vital national asset.
She explained that the association views the country’s cultural heritage as a gold mine that must be preserved and harnessed for Nigeria’s economic and social development.
Adewole noted that the theme of the association’s 50th anniversary celebration, “Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts: Redefining Our Role as Global Ambassadors,” reflects NANTA’s commitment to supporting and promoting Nigeria’s cultural tourism economy.
As part of activities ahead of the anniversary celebration, the NANTA team also visited the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, to formally invite him to the Ibadan conference.
During the visit, the delegation highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Ogun State and its importance to national tourism development and economic growth.
Meanwhile, the association, through its National President, Dr. Yinka Folami, has congratulated the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on his appointment.
In a letter dated March 9, acknowledged by the police authorities, Folami pledged the association’s willingness to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force in addressing fraudulent activities within the travel trade sector.
The NANTA president also formally invited the Inspector-General to the association’s elective Annual General Meeting in Ibadan in April, noting that the gathering would provide an opportunity for the police chief to interact with travel trade professionals on ways to promote a secure and globally compliant travel industry in Nigeria.
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