Maritime

NPA Berates PH Port, Scores Onne Port High On GRT

Published

11 years ago

March 27, 2015

The Nigerian Ports
Authority (NPA) says it recorded a total cargo through put of 86,603.903 metric tonnes of c

The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in-charge of Eastern Ports, Mrs Kalafite Helen Adeyemi (middle), flanked by the former Onne Area II Conroller of Customs, Hamzat Gummi (right) with other officers during her visit to the Port, recently.

argo last year, showing an increase of 12.64 per cent, that is six per cent over its 2013 figure of 76.886.997 metric tonnes.
Out of this figure, Rivers Port Complex recorded a total Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 7,304.591, representing 14.2 per cent growth over 6,394.270 gross tons it recorded in the corresponding period of 2013, while Onne Port Complex had a GRT of 41,854.687, reflecting an increase of 7.4 per cent over 38,967,131 gross tons recorded in the corresponding period of 2013.
This revelation was contained in a statement signed by the Assistant General Manager, Public Relations of NPA, Mr Illiya Musa and made available to The Tide correspondent in Port Harcourt recently.
The Tide correspondent further gathered that out of the total metric tonnes of cargo recorded, the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipment topped the figure with 21,679.330 metric tons indicating an increase of 12.1 per cent over 19,341.663 metric tons in 2013.
According to the statement, LNG had maintained its reputation as a reliable and secure supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas, adding that it has been the major contributor to the continued growth of its shipment and results posted in 2013 year under review.
The statement added that Refined Petroleum was 20,736.699 metric tons, an increase of 6.8 per cent over 19,416.043 metric tons in 2013, while crude oil shipment stood at 107.880.239 metric tons, which indicates an increase of 0.2 per cent over 107,686.011 metric tons in the year under review.
Our correspondent gathered that Delta Port Complex recorded 7,626,994 gross tons, showing an increase of 21.1. per cent over its 2013 figure of 6.295.995 gross tons, as Calabar Port Complex recorded a total GRT of 4,085,903, showing an increase of 46.3 per cent compared with the 2,792,488 gross tons recorded in 2013.
Similarly, Lagos Port Complex recorded 36,969,456 GRT, showing an increase of 7.2 per cent over 34,466,291 gross tons of 2013, while Tin Can Island Port had a Gross Registered Tonnage of 50,011,289, showing 17 per cent increase over the corresponding year of 2013, which was 42,758,161 gross tons.
However, a careful analysis shows that most of the Ports recorded increase in GRT of vessels due to the capital and maintenance dredging of the channels by the Joint Venture Companies of Bonny Channel Company (BCC) and Lagos Channel Management (LCM).
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NPA, Mallam, Habib Abdullahi attributed the achievement so far recorded to the management commitment towards improving existing port facilities in the country through rehabilitation of Port quay walls, and aprons.

Collins Barasimeye

Business

Navy Hands Over Five Suspected Stowaways to NIS

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has handed over five suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

The suspects were discovered aboard a merchant vessel, MT Chinafrie Happiness, in an attempted illegal voyage out of the country.

This was contained in a statement issued by Sub Lieutenant A.O. Ajayi, Naval Assistant to the Commander, NNS Beecroft.

The statement said the Handover is part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security, curbing illegal migration, and enhancing safety within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

According to the statement, the suspects were discovered on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, concealed inside the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The five suspects were safely evacuated by Naval Personnel’s and taken to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation, profiling, and documentation before being transferred to immigration authorities for further action.

The statement gave their identity as Segun Samuel Boyewa (31), Kingsley Chukwu (43), Joseph Judge (33), Moses Aletor (24), and Abdullahi Danlami (31).

Preliminary findings indicated that the individuals allegedly boarded the vessel while it was docked at Tin Can Island Port with the intention of stowing away to India without valid travel documentation or authorisation.

The statement also noted that stowaway attempts pose significant risks to human life and maritime safety, as individuals often hide in hazardous compartments of vessels under extreme conditions that could lead to injury or death.

The Naval statement warned that illegal boarding of ships remains a serious maritime security challenge and called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to discourage youths from engaging in such dangerous and unlawful acts.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Beecroft to sustained maritime security operations in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aimed at maintaining a professional and effective naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations for national security.

Chinedu Wosu

Business

Navy Nabs 13 Black Sand Miners In Bayelsa –Impound Two Boats

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy has arrested Thirteen 13 Black Sand miners in Bayelsa state

The Service also impounded two Wooden Boats used for the illegal operations

Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Abuja.

Folorunsho said with the operation, the Navy had recorded another operational success in its efforts to curb illegal exploitation of natural resources

According to Folorunsho the operation was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities.

He said the intelligence revealed the boats were operating within the coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area.

“Acting on the intelligence, Naval personnel intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.

“A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the activity,” he said.

The Naval Director of information said that the successful operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and preventing the illegal exploitation of natural resources that undermine economic development and environmental sustainability.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes, while maintaining security and stability within the nation’s waterways,” he said.

Folorunsho also said that the two wooden boats recovered, the black sand and the 13 suspects have subsequently been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He said this was done in line with the extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa Government.

The Naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime resources.

Folorunsho assured that it would also ensure that the nation’s waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.

CHINEDU WOSU

Maritime

NCS Holds Free Medical Outreach For 2,000 Daura Residents

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its 7th Retreat Medical Outreach in Daura, Katsina State,

Customs said the Free medical outreach is aimed at providing free healthcare services to residents of the area.

Speaking during the event, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ahmad Tijjani-Abe, said the programme would provide general medical consultations, dental care, eye and ear care, as well as minor surgical operations for beneficiaries.

Tijjani-Abe said medical teams deployed for the exercise would also provide free medications to patients attending the outreach.

He added that the service would visit schools within the area to deworm students and distribute health kits and mosquito nets to help prevent malaria among children.

Also Speaking, Dr Ethelbert Ikechukwu, Medical Team Leader of the outreach said the exercise was part of the initiative of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which had been carried out in different parts of the country over the years.

According to him, the programme is designed to support communities where customs personnel operate by offering free medical consultations and medications to residents.

Ikechukwu further explained that patients whose conditions could not be fully managed at the outreach centre would be referred to appropriate medical facilities for further treatment.

Ikechukwu urged members of the public to take advantage of the exercise, noting that the medical teams comprised highly qualified healthcare professionals.

The outreach targets about 2,000 patients across various areas of medical care.