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Drydock To Complete LAGFERRY Maintenance, Aug -Commissioner

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2 years ago

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The Lagos State Government has said the maintenance services of the Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) boats to be carried out by Drydock will be completed in August.
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this during a presentation of the Lagos State Traffic Management and Transportation Sector activities.
The event was in commemoration of the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s  first year and second term in office.
“The drydock project, which is 30 per cent done, is geared toward ensuring safety of passengers”, Osiyemi said.
The  Commissioner noted that the installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras on LAGFERRY boats was on course and the installation of 15ft by 128 inches-led digital display signs for LAGFERRY e-fleet surveillance system.
“Retrofitting, repair of boats and installation of new engines was also carried out to ensure optimal efficiency and safety”, he said.
Osiyemi noted that LAGFERRY is currently running a public water transportation in 24 routes from 16 terminals/jetties through its 17 commercial boats.
According to him, the agency has  recorded over two million ridership from inception till date.
“Charged with the responsibility of providing a viable alternative to road transportation, the agency has become a standard for other boat operators to emulate.
“We have a world-class water transportation system that offers safe, fast and reliable mode and improved technologies for excellent customer experience.
“Toward promoting tourism and increase in ridership, the agency created some awareness windows to make water transportation a more attractive option for commuters.
“This is also to optimise the blue economic potential of Lagos State through these laudable events.
“Ignite the waterways was introduced on January 6, 2024; Exclusive Love Lagos-Love Waterways edition was a lovely programme delivered in February,  and FUJI”, he added.
He noted further that government was partnering with the private sector for the production of ferries that would help bring down the cost.

The State Government, he said,  would ensure that the boats are produced in accordance with international safety standards and regulations.

Osiyemi added that 25 of such boats would be inaugurated for use in the next few weeks.

He added that seven jetties and terminals were inaugurated between May 24 and May 26, 2023 for improved operations of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

“These jetties and terminals are located in different parts of the state namely: Ilashe Amuwo-Odofin, Ijegun Egba, Amuwo-Odofin, Marina, Badagry, Isalu Ajido, Offin Ikorodu, Ito Omu Epe, and Liverpool, Apapa”, he stated.

Recall that on April 19, 2024, he said Ibeshe Ferry Terminal was officially handed over to Thesaurus Bay by LASWA, and a floating pontoon that would ensure safe embarking and disembarking of passengers was also installed.

By: Chinedu Wosu

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Maritime

Navy Seeks Partnerships To Boost Indigenous Shipbuilding, Operations

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6 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy has expressed readiness to partner with relevant organisations to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding capacity and enhance naval operations.
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made this known in Abuja while receiving the Managing Director of ASELSAN Nigeria Limited, Amadou Thiam, during a courtesy visit to Naval Headquarters.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho and made available to The Tide.
The CNS said the move was in line with the Navy’s strategic objective of promoting local content development, technology transfer and sustainable capacity growth.
He described the engagement as timely and strategic, noting that  Navy remained committed to collaborations that would deliver tangible benefits to Nigeria’s defence industrial base.
Abbas emphasised the importance of structured partnerships, particularly through government-to-government frameworks, to ensure transparency, efficiency and alignment with national security priorities.
Earlier, Thiam said ASELSAN was ready to establish a long-term partnership with the Nigerian Navy through joint ventures and collaboration with indigenous shipyards.
He said the company’s expertise in areas such as unmanned systems, infrared search and track systems, in addition to integrated combat solutions and the modernisation of naval platforms.
According to him, the delegation’s visit to Naval Dockyard Limited, where the construction of Seaward Defence Boats is ongoing, further demonstrated opportunities for synergy with Nigeria’s growing shipbuilding capacity.
The CNS reiterated that such partnerships would position the Nigerian Navy for enhanced maritime security operations.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
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Maritime

MWUN Raises Alarm Over Port Security Lapses In Lagos

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4 weeks ago

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March 30, 2026

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The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has raised alarm over poor policing of Lagos Port waterfronts
The President General MWUN Francis Bunu said this when
members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) visited the union’s headquarters ahead of the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day.
He described attacks on vessels at berth as unacceptable in a regulated port environment, stressing that such incidents undermined confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to him, marine police are mandated to secure berthed vessels through effective patrols and surveillance across port waterfronts.
“Why will a vessel berth and people come across the water in numbers to attack it?.
“These vessels are foreign-owned. How do they want Nigeria to be viewed in the international community?” Bunu said
The President said such breaches revealed lapses in coordination among security agencies, warning that, “urgent action was needed to restore confidence.
“Somebody is certainly not doing their job. We cannot have these attacks without decisive intervention from responsible agencies,”
Bunu reacted to a recent breach at Eko Support Terminal, where unidentified assailants reportedly attacked a berthed vessel last week.
He said the incident heightened concerns among ship operators and port users about safety within Nigerian ports.
The MWUN President  warned that repeated attacks at berths could discourage international shipping lines and worsen Nigeria’s maritime risk profile.
He called for stronger security presence around port berths and waterfronts, stressing that such insecurity raises broader concerns about territorial waters.
Bunu urged security agencies and port authorities to review surveillance and patrol systems to prevent further attacks and reassure global operators.
Earlier, President of SCAN,Mr Moses Ebosele, commended Bunu for protecting workers’ interests and supporting industry growth.
Ebosele said the visit was part of preparations for the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day celebration organised by the association.
He appealed for support from maritime workers to ensure the success of the event.
Ebosele said this year’s celebration would emphasise environmentally friendly practices and modern technologies in Nigerian seaports.
According to him, the theme, ‘Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,’ will guide discussions among key maritime stakeholders.
He added, the initiative aimed to improve environmental performance while sustaining economic viability and maritime trade.
Ebosele said participants would also explore dockworkers’ contributions to the economy and strategies for strengthening their role in a green economy.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
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Nigerian Navy Plans CMTF To Safeguard GOG

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4 weeks ago

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March 30, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy has stepped up efforts to strengthen regional maritime security with plans to establish a Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF), positioning it as a multinational initiative to safeguard the Gulf of Guinea GOG
Navy said the collaboration would enhance global shipping safety.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said this in a statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information and made available  to Newsmen
 Vice Admiral Idi Abbas who received the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jen Ole Bach Hansen, at Naval Headquarters, Abuja, reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in driving a coordinated multinational maritime security framework in the Gulf of Guinea, a critical corridor for international trade.
Abbas stressed the region remains vital to global shipping, noting that countries like Denmark depend significantly on its sea lanes for commerce.
Vice Admiral Abbas disclosed that the proposed CMTF, expected to commence operations by mid-2026, would bring together “like-minded nations” to improve maritime domain awareness, boost joint response capabilities, and consolidate recent gains against piracy and other maritime threats in the region.
He called for robust Danish support in both the operationalisation and long-term sustainability of the initiative, describing such collaboration as crucial to maintaining security and stability within the Gulf of Guinea.
The Naval chief also extended an invitation to the Danish Navy to participate in the Nigerian Navy’s forthcoming International Fleet Review, a move aimed at strengthening interoperability and deepening naval cooperation between both countries.
Earlier Ambassador Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to expanding its defence and maritime partnership with Nigeria under its Africa Strategy.
He noted that bilateral relations between both countries, particularly in maritime security, have witnessed significant progress since 2024.
The envoy acknowledged Nigeria’s strides in improving maritime security and expressed Denmark’s readiness to deepen collaboration in pursuit of shared security objectives in the Gulf of Guinea.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to sustained strategic cooperation, with a shared goal of ensuring a secure and stable maritime environment that supports regional and global economic activities.#
By: CHINEDU WOSU
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