Maritime

NIMASA’s N50bn Floating Dock Begins Operations, April

Published

4 years ago

February 7, 2022

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) says its floating dock would be operational in the first quarter of 2022.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, who made the disclosure during a recent media briefing in Lagos, while showcasing the agency’s achievements in 2021, and his vision for 2022, said the floating dock would operate under the Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The N50billion, submersible floating dock is one out of the five types of dry docks used for ship repairs.
Jamoh said It was named “MFDP NIMASA” and constructed in 2016 by Damen Shipyard.
“The Dock will not be solely operated by government or NIMASA as we have handed it in for a Public Private Partnership.
“As usual, the issue of privatisation of any government property goes through processes, and the floating dock is undergoing those processes.
“The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) was here to give us the first certificate, telling us that privatising the modular floating dock is bankable, doable and profitable”, he said.
The Agency, Jamoh said, had obtained endorsement, from the ICRC to continue with the privatisation plans.
He said it had gone ahead to negotiate with the managing partner and the co-partner, Nigerian Ports Authority, that would give the Agency Continental Shipyard for the floating dock.
“As I am talking today, officials of this administration are in Dubai to inspect the facilities of the managing partner and we expect in no distant future, maximum by middle of February, we should be able to get the final no objection.
“Privatisation of government property must be approved by the Federal Executive Council because it is a national asset,” he said.
The DG noted that they do not know the plan of the former administration, but inherited the dock when they came in with no plan of where to install it.
He said that when the agency wanted to channel it for use, they had a lot of challenges.
“We still believe we can take it to the final destination and the cost implication cannot be borne by the Federal Government alone.
“When we privatise it, the managing partner can decide and move it to the proper position it is supposed to be,” he said.
While noting that the operationality of the floating dock is procedural, Jamoh explained that the agency had invited foreign experts that would check to see the dock was still in sound shape, and ensure that the necessary services to be done to guarantee that the parts and the class conditions were fully taken care of.
He said the plan was to ascertain the true situation so that when approval was gotten from the Federal Executive Council, it would be in good shape and be easily moved to where it would be used.
“The floating dock is a policy intervention, huge investment by government. There is nothing lost here. The best thing is how to manage the investment to yield revenue and provide job opportunities for Nigerians.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Maritime

Maritime PCRC Seeks Intelligence Sharing With Western Ports Police

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Maritime Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has called for stronger intelligence sharing and collaboration with the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command to enhance security across Nigeria’s Western ports.

The called was made during the official visit by members, Maritime PCRC to Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, at the Command Headquarters in Lagos.

The visit was aimed at deepening the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and port stakeholders through the PCRC, while reinforcing community-based policing as a strategy for safeguarding critical national assets and port facilities.

Speaking during the visit Chairman, Maritime PCRC, Elder Udoh George, commended the Commissioner of Police Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja for her proactive leadership and professionalism in maintaining security within the port environment. He noted that intelligence-driven policing remains critical to crime prevention in the maritime sector, stressing that the Committee is ready to support the Command through timely information sharing and stakeholder engagement.

According to him, the PCRC will continue to work closely with the police in crime prevention, intelligence gathering and community mobilisation, in order to promote peace and operational efficiency at the ports.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police Agbaminoja appreciated the visit and described the PCRC as a vital bridge between the police and the port community.

She said effective policing thrives on trust, cooperation and the active participation of stakeholders.

Oluwatoyin assured the Committee of the Command’s readiness to sustain collaboration, noting that consistent engagement with port users and adjoining communities is key to maintaining security, orderliness and uninterrupted port operations.

By: CHINEDU WOSU

Maritime

Customs Hands Over Seized Cannabis Worths N4.7bn To NDLEA

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Customs Command in Tincan Island, Lagos, has handed over 2,366 packs of cannabis indica, valued at over N4.7 billion, to the NDLEA.

The seizure comprised of a 40-feet container holding 55 jumbo bags of cannabis indica intercepted during routine enforcement operations at the port.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this in a Statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson Oscar Ivara.and copied Newsmen

Speaking during the handover, Onyeka said officers acted in line with global standards on border protection and public safety.

“Today, we inform you of developments in securing our borders, aligning with the 2026 International Customs Day theme of vigilance and commitment,” he said.

Onyeka said the container was examined on Jan. 28, 2026 alongside NDLEA and DSS operatives, following intelligence-led profiling.

“A 40-feet container was found to contain 2,366 packs in 55 jumbo bags of cannabis indica,” he said.

He added that officers also discovered a Colt MK IV .45 calibre pistol with an empty magazine inside the container.

According to him, three used vehicles were deployed to conceal the prohibited items, including a Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Sienna and Toyota Matrix.

“Interestingly, we apprehended one suspect in connection with the seizure,” Onyeka said.

He warned that Customs would not tolerate drug smuggling or transnational crime threatening national security and public health.

Receiving the consignment, NDLEA Commander, Solomon Omotoso, commended Customs for strong inter-agency collaboration.

Omotoso assured that the NDLEA would intensify investigations and prosecution in line with existing laws.

By: CHINEDU WOSU

Maritime

Customs Hands Over Three 21 Ft Containers of Expired Drugs To NAFDAC

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island command, has handed over Three Containers of expired drugs drugs to NAFDAC.

Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island, Comptroller Frank Onyeka disclosed this during the formal handover in Lagos

According to him,”Today marks the formal handover of three 20ft containers of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for appropriate regulatory action,”

Onyeka explained that two containers, numbered PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets.

He said detailed examination revealed that one container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second contained 250 cartons of the same expired product.

The third container, MSKU413519/1, contained 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number.

“This consignment is illegal and dangerous for public consumption,” Onyeka warned, stressing the public health risk posed by such drugs.

Beyond seizures, Onyeka said Tincan Island Customs had improved cargo examinations, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations to intercept prohibited and falsely declared goods.

“The Command proactively intercepts controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, narcotics, and items threatening public safety and economic stability,”

Onyeka reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public health and national security, pledging a tougher crackdown on illicit drugs across the nation.

On his achievements, he said the Command enforced the anti-smuggling drive, safeguarding public health and national security.

He explained that enforcement is strengthened while facilitating legitimate trade, contributing significantly to revenue generation, in line with Customs’ core mandate.

“These achievements result from discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he added, highlighting the strategies behind successful operations.

Onyeka commended NAFDAC for its cooperation, noting that their synergy helps prevent fake, substandard, and expired drugs from reaching the public.

He assured that collaboration with NAFDAC would continue to intercept dangerous pharmaceuticals before they enter the Nigerian market.

Onyeka lauded the officers for their dedication, describing their efforts as key to the command’s credibility and operational effectiveness.

He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for leadership and reforms empowering customs operations nationwide.

“Our command will not relent in combating illicit trade and enforcing compliance with existing laws,” Onyeka said.

He promised continued collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria.

Receiving the drugs, NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Kareem Adekunle, said the expired products would be destroyed by burning.

Adekunle commended Customs for their exemplary collaboration and pledged continued partnership to protect Nigerians’ health.

By: CHINEDU WOSU