To curb the alarming rate of boat mishaps in Nigeria’s waterways, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has set up a Special Committee tasked with developing actionable solutions. Speaking during a meeting with heads of agencies under the ministry, Oyetola described the frequent accidents on coastal and inland waterways as a matter of urgent national concern, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention. “It has become a matter of urgent concern, hence the need to proffer solutions to reduce it to the barest minimum,” the minister said. The Minister gave the committee 21 days to conduct a comprehensive review of commercial boat transport operations in Nigeria. Terms of reference for the committee include “to investigate the causes of frequent boat mishaps, evaluate the level of safety and security compliance among operators, and examine the suitability of existing boat designs.
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Tragedy has again struck in Rivers State following a boat mishap along the Bonny-Port Harcourt Sea route, which claimed the lives of three persons, including a toddler. Confirming the incident, the Bonny Local Government Council, said the incident occurred yesterday when a heavy storm hit a commercial boat conveying passengers from Port Harcourt to Bonny, destabilizing the boat and leading to a mishap. Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. John Gabriel-Pepple, in a statement expressed deep sorrow over the incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. The Bonny Local Government reiterated its commitment to improving safety measures and ensuring justice for the victims of the mishap.
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The Nigerian Navy has detained eight individuals attempting to stow away aboard the MSC Katyani vessel in a bid to illegally migrate to Europe. The incident occurred off the coast of Lagos State, targeting illegal migration routes. In a statement released, the Nigerian Navy confirmed that the suspects were handed over to the Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Dalhatu Musa, at the Lagos Ports/Marine Command in Apapa, Lagos. The statement reads, 17 January 2025, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT apprehended 8 suspected stowaways onboard MSC KATYANI with the intention to illegally migrate to Europe.
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The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for increased collaboration among security agencies to effectively address smuggling and its detrimental effects on Nigeria’s economy. Delivering a lecture to participants of Course 33 at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, 23 January 2025, the Customs boss stressed the importance of synergy and mutual understanding among security agencies in tackling illicit trade and ensuring economic security. “No single agency can effectively combat the complexities of smuggling without the support and cooperation of others,” Adeniyi said. “Collaborating with other security agencies is essential for effective anti-smuggling operations. It is only through synergy that we can reduce these illegal activities to the barest minimum and foster economic growth in Nigeria.”
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The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, has apprehended two persons over alleged theft of 2,100 liters of premium motor spirit. The Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi disclosed this while handing over the suspects and items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC) in Ibaka. Abdullahi said that navy personnel apprehended the suspects at about 7.45p.m on Jan. 24, while on a routine patrol along the Mbo River area. He said that during the patrol, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 2,100 Litres of petrol, carefully concealed under cargos such as bread, fruits and bags of casava flakes among others.
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The Nigerian Navy recorded a significant milestone in the past year, increasing its fleet to 27 ships for maritime operations—a growth of over 30%, according to Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, the outgoing Flag Officer Commanding, Nigerian Navy Logistics Command, Oghara, Delta State. Speaking during a farewell parade and handing-over ceremony held in his honor, Onyemaobi, now the Director of Marine Engineering at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, credited the achievement to the steadfast support of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. He noted that the enhanced availability of platforms has played a key role in combating maritime crimes, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
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