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Nigerian Navy Acquires New Offshore Survey Vessels

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4 years ago

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The Nigerian Navy Service (NNS) says it has acquired and taken delivery of its first purpose built offshore survey vessels, NNS LANA from France.
The vessel which is expected to join the Nigerian Navy fleet in May 2021 was completed and launched on September 24, 2020 at Les Sables d’Olonne, France.
NNS LANA was handed over to the Nigerian Navy in France on 15th January, 2021 after the provisional acceptance trials were concluded.
The crew training also commenced in January 2021 and ended on 12th April, 2021.
This was contained in a statement issued by Commodore Suleman Dahun on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd).
Represented by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, at the flag transfer ceremony, Magashi, said the new vessel was conceived as a replacement for the previous NNS LANA, a survey ship that was decommissioned about 10 years ago.
He said the occasion marked a great milestone in the fulfillment of the dream of not only replacing but enhancing Nigerian Navy’s survey capability.
“Importantly, the new vessel is expected to fill the void created following the decommissioning of the previous NNS LANA,” he said.
According to the minister, survey services and charting waterways play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation as well as delivery of maritime security.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment towards the recapitalisation of the Nigerian Navy Fleet, while also commending Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Dr (Mrs) Modupe Irele, the management and staff of Messrs OCEA and all others who have contributed one way or the other towards the change of flag ceremony.
Magashi explained that the choice of Messrs OCEA by the Nigerian Navy to construct the new NNS LANA was based on its impeccable track record of high quality ship building capacity as well as the belief in the company to adhere to agreed time lines.
He noted with delight that the acquisition of NNS LANA brings to 18 the number of OCEA platforms in the Nigerian Navy’s inventory, adding that the company was recently awarded the contract to construct a 35m Hydro boat to complement NNS LANA.
The construction of the Offshore Survey Vessel 190 MKII (NNS LANA) commenced in December 2019 and the project was divided into four major milestones namely: the completion of the deck molds, completion of hull blocks, hull assembly on the main deck and the delivery and installation of the main engines at the shipyard.

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Maritime

NSEMA Blames Boat Mishap On Overloading 

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1 week ago

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September 8, 2025

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The Management of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has attributed the recent boat mishap that claimed the lives of over 29 passengers to overloading.
Director General of the Agency, Abdullahi Baba Arah, disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in Minna.
Arah stated that preliminary findings showed that the mishap was caused by overloading and a collision with a submerged tree stump.
“Our desk officer who’s leading the search and rescue operations confirmed that the boat left Tungan Sule with 90 people on board, including women and children, on their way to Dugga for a condolence visit”, he explained.
He disclosed that none of the passengers wore life jackets, despite repeated sensitization and government directives on water safety in the state.
“So far, 29 bodies have been recovered, 50 passengers rescued alive, while two people are still missing”, Arah added.
The Managing Director noted that search and rescue operations were still ongoing to recover the remaining victims.
“At least 29 people have been confirmed dead while several others remain missing after a boat carrying about 90 passengers capsized in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State”, he said.
Arah said the ill-fated boat set out from Tungan Sule in Shagunu Ward, and was heading to Dugga Community for a condolence visit when tragedy struck at Gausawa.
 Eyewitnesses said the vessel was carrying mostly women and children on board and suddenly began to experience difficulties before it eventually capsized.
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Maritime

Customs Records N3.68tn Revenue In First Half, 2025

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1 week ago

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September 8, 2025

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said the Service has recorded a revenue of N3.68 trillion in the first half of 2025.
The Service said the amount surpassed its revenue target by N390.20 billion, equivalent to 11.85 per cent.
Spokesman of NCS Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement issued to newsmen  in Abuja.
Maiwada said the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) did a comprehensive review of the revenue, which was announced at its 63rd regular meeting.
The meeting, he said, was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
The Spokesman saidthe Board linked the achievement to the effectiveness of NCS`s ongoing reforms, improved compliance by stakeholders and enhanced deployment of technology in Customs operations alongside service’s strengthened capacity in revenue mobilisation.
 Maiwada said, “between 1st January and 30th June, 2025, the Service recorded a total revenue collection of N3,682,496,530,576.48, representing a remarkable performance above expectations.
“In practical terms, this signifies that within six months, the NCS has already achieved 55.93 per cent of its annual revenue target”, he said.
On the Trade Modernisation Project, he said the Board acknowledged milestones recorded, including wider deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) and arrival of six scanners, including an FS6000 model to boost non-intrusive inspection.
Other achievements recorded  by NCS include, procurement of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) equipment, setup of the Centralised Image Analysis System (CIAS) at Customs Headquarters, and reinforcement of cybersecurity architecture.
The statement said the Board acknowledged that these developments further aligned with Nigeria’s clearance processes with international best practices.
According to Maiwada, the Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, congratulated the newly appointed and promoted officers and  urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the service’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, and also appreciated the Minister of Finance for  what called “his continued support and guidance”.
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Maritime

Shippers Partner NAPTIP, MMS Against Human Trafficking 

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1 week ago

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September 8, 2025

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Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it would partner with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Money Management Series (MMS) to eliminate human trafficking at Nigeria’s waterways.
The Council said the collaboration would boost surveillance and collaborate with NAPTIP and MMS to combat this economic crime.
Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, NSC, Akutah Pius,  made this known recently to newsmen during an interview.
He said the Council is commitment to supporting the fight against human trafficking, particularly stowaway and related crimes.
Pius assured NAPTIP and MMS of the Council’s readiness to provide necessary support to actualize their aspirations.
Earlier, the Director, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, outlined the importance of strategic partnerships with agencies such as the NSC in preventing and reporting trafficking activities at the country’s waters.
Bello commended the NSC’s role in overseeing critical gateways to the nation’s trade and transport system.
Also Speaking, member, Women of Fortune Hall of Fame (WOFHoF) initiative, Hajia Lami Tumaka, referenced a report by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that the global shipping industry lost $8.9 million to 364 stowaways between February 2020 and February 2021.
The statistic, she said, underscores the need for collaborative efforts to combat human trafficking.
“The NSC, NAPTIP, and MMS are set to work together to strengthen surveillance and prevent human trafficking at Nigeria’s waterways.
“This partnership aims to protect the nation’s trade and transport system from the scourge of human trafficking”, she stated.
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