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Yuletide: Piracy Attacks Continue In Nigeria, Ghana Waters 

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5 years ago

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Amid the current festivities, piracy attacks have continued to occur along the Nigerian and Ghanaian coasts.
According to reports by global risk intelligence partner, Dryad Maritime, three incidents of piracy were recorded between December 18 and 21 despite the Federal Government’s pledges to nip waterways insecurity in the bud.
These attacks were preluded by a warning from the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade –Gulf of Guinea, MDAT -GoG on December 17.
It disclosed that a high-risk maritime incident would occur in the coming days in the following countries: Guinea , Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d ’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
The report also listed Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome & Principe, and Gabon as part of the designated areas for futuristic attacks.
As predicted, an unknown vessel was approached by one speed boat containing eight to 10 persons in Bayelsa State on December 18, Dryad reported, adding that an alert was raised onboard.
According to the report, the vessel started evasive manoeuvres forcing the speed boat to stop its approach of boarding the vessel.
Similarly, on December 19, a Singaporean containership named MAERSK CADIZ was approached by an unknown number of attackers while sailing from Tema to Kribi, in the South Province of Cameroon.
Dryad reported that the vessel was boarded even though Nigerian authorities were alerted. However, details regarding the welfare of the crew remain unknown at this time.
On December 21, a Maltese containership, PORT GDY-NIA, was also approached and boarded by an unknown number of attackers. It was sailing from Lome to Bata, in Equatorial Guinea. Till date, details regarding the welfare of the crew also remain unknown.
Dryad in its report said, “There has been a surge of incidents in the past five weeks, resulting in an increased risk rating for the Gulf of Guinea high-risk area to critical on November 11.
The increase in risk profile was further underpinned by the release of an imminent attack warning by MDAT -GoG covering the waters of ECOWAS Areas F.E.D”.
Vessels were advised to operate within the area maintaining the highest level of vigilance.
Similarly, the International Maritime Bureau advised that vessels remained at least 200-250 nautical miles offshore where possible.
Meanwhile, the world’s largest international shipping association, Baltic and International Maritime Council, has urged Nigeria to act on its promises to police its waters as the Gulf of Guinea dry season brings a spike in piracy incidents.
It also said the industry was interested in the first trial of accused pirates under the country’s new law.

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Maritime

NPA Vows To Sustain Sanity On Port Access Roads  ……Deploys ETO To Enhance Truck Movement 

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3 days ago

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November 3, 2025

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The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated it’s commitment to preventing a return to the severe Apapa gridlock that previously plaqued the Lagos ports access roads.
It said the electronic truck call- up system ( ETO) has been recently reviewed and enhanced to integrate terminal gates directly with the ETO platform.
Speaking in reaction to media reports on the resurgence of gridlock on port access roads, Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, said the NPA, in line with its mandate to ensure the smooth operation of port activities and the free flow of traffic around the Apapa Port Complex corridor, remained fully committed to maintaining order and preventing any reoccurrence of the gridlock previously experienced along the access roads.
“We have recently undertaken a review and enhancement of the ETO system, which now integrates Terminal Gates directly with the ETO platform.
“This integration is designed to provide a structured sequencing of truck movements, both inbound and outbound within the Apapa Port Complex.
“The objective of this initiative is to ensure transparency, improve traffic efficiency, and maintain a sustainable operating environment around the ports.
“However, the success of this system depends largely on the cooperation and compliance of all Stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Transport Unions, Drivers, Clearing Agents, and Government Agencies (Both Federal and State).
“Sequencing truck entry and exit is not rocket science. With sincerity of purpose and commitment from all concerned, we can achieve and maintain orderliness and prevent a return to the chaotic conditions of the past.
“It is in our best interest, because smooth Ingress and Egress of Trucks will, in the long run, bring about high turnover for all stakeholders,” he stated.
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DANTSOHO Calls For Synergy In Revamping Nation’s Ports

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3 days ago

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November 3, 2025

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The Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority(NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has called for synergy in revamping the nation’s ports.
Dantsoho made the call shortly after the second meeting of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He insisted that without collaboration amongst major actors little or nothing would be achieved in revamping the ports
“Until there is collaboration and partnership you cannot achieve efficiency at the ports”, he said.
Dantsoho highlighted steps taken by the Ports Authority to address bottlenecks faced by importers and exporters at the nation’s ports.
The MD said the Customs and Ports Efficiency Committee established by the NPA is recording huge successes through the joint inspection and boarding by relevant agencies operating in the area.
He identified adoption of technology, improvement in infrastructure, human capacity building, equipment and tools, as areas that could be improved to enhance port efficiency.
This, according to him, would ensure that Nigeria remains competitive and relevant in the sub-region, continent and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the Director –  General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Audu, called for collective resolve among stakeholders to improve port operations, making cargo clearance faster and more efficient.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Customs and Ports Efficiency Committee, Audi however, decried the losses incurred as a result of the inefficiency at the nation’s ports,
Audu described the committee as a platform that represents not only interagency collaboration but a shared commitment to making Nigeria’s ports globally competitive, transparent, and efficient.
By: Chinedu Wosu
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Customs To Partner NAPTIP On Human Trafficking Menace 

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3 days ago

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November 3, 2025

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The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) said it will collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.
The Comptroller General Cust oms, Adewale Adeniyi stated this while playing host to the Courtesy Visit by a delegation from NAPTIP, in his office, in Abuja.
He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, as the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications.
Adeniyi said “We believe in the power of collaboration,We can achieve more with less when we work together.”
The Comptroller General revealed that the Service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assured the delegation that Customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.
He pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.
“We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally”
” We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security”, he stated.
Adeniyi commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support.
Earlier, the Director General, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the Customs Service.
She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.
In her words, “I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute and protect as partnership with Customs is essential for our work”
She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.
Also Speaking former Director with NIMASA; Hajia Lami Tumaka, said the visit was to seek Customs’ partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.
Tumaka described Customs as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement,” adding that its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.
“Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable”, she said.
By: Chinedu Wosu
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