Gulf of Guinea Focus: Week 23
- Agwe Global
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
The Nigerian Immigration Service said it has concluded plans to partner with the Nigerian Navy to curb criminality and terrorism across the nation’s international maritime domain. The Comptroller-General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, stated this in Lagos when she led a team on a visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft in Apapa recently. The visit was part of the regional workshop on maritime border security co-hosted by the NIS with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre. Represented at the event by a Deputy Controller of the NIS, Muhammad Umar, the CG explained that the visit was not about addressing stowaways alone but other maritime-related crimes. “As part of that programme, this is why we are here. So it is not only about stowaways, it is about how to control criminality and terrorism across
our international maritime domain,” she said. Speaking on the visit to the Navy, Umar stressed that the service was working in conjunction with the Navy to ensure adequate maritime protection.
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In continuation of the federal government’s drive for safer inland waterways, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, presented 3,500 life jackets to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). The donation ceremony which took place at LASWA’s headquarters at the Five Cowries Terminal in Lagos, reinforced the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to establish safe and efficient water transport systems nationwide, with a special focus on Lagos State, the busiest waterways hub in Nigeria. The donation to LASWA is part of a broader initiative led by Minister Oyetola, which has so far provided life jackets to six of the12 targeted littoral states, including recent distributions to Niger, Bayelsa, Kwara, Anambra and Akwa Ibom. Speaking at the event, the minister who
was represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy IlorI said the initiative highlights the crucial importance of safety in the nation’s water transport sector, particularly as the country ramps up efforts to unlock the vast economic potential of the blue economy.
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In a significant move to enhance the welfare and well-being of personnel, the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT under the leadership of commodore Paul Nimmyel commissioned infrastructural projects at the Base. The projects, which include a newly constructed 36-lavatory facility, the solarization of the Base, and the ground-breaking ceremony for a 50-man ratings’ transit accommodation, were formally inaugurated. These developments are in
direct alignment with the Strategic Directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, which places a high premium on improving the living and working conditions of personnel across ships, units and establishments, a statement issued by the Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim said. In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear
Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen reiterated that the projects are part of ongoing efforts to ensure a more conducive and sustainable environment for the personnel.
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The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has announced a partnership with Coronation Life Assurance Limited, aimed at bolstering passenger safety across its 42 operational docks and loading points in Rivers State. The Union in a statement by its Head of Media, Comrade John Ikemefuna said the collaborative effort seeks to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for travellers utilising MWUN-affiliated waterways
transport, safeguarding them against medical emergencies, permanent disability, and death. The partnership, spearheaded by the Union’s President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu, brings together MWUN as the First Party, Multijanc Concept Limited as the Second Party (consultant), and Coronation Life Assurance Limited as the Third Party (insurer). The Union
further explained that this measure has been put in place to safeguard the lives of both passengers and drivers in the cases of boat mishaps within the spelt out zones in Rivers State. This proactive initiative by MWUN underscores its commitment to the well-being of its customers. With 42 active loading points in Rivers State, the Union recognizes the critical need to mitigate risks associated with water transportation and provide a safety net for passengers.
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https://maritimetodayonline.com/mwun-partners-insurance-firm-for-enhanced-waterways-passengersafety/
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle lauded the Nigerian Navy for its relentless efforts and sacrifices over the past 69 years in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain. This came as the Minister unveiled the logo for the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC), a strategic rapid deployment force, structured to conduct high-risk, land-based missions in support of internal security operations. Speaking
at the Ceremonial Sunset/Dinner marking the end of the Navy’s 69th anniversary celebrations at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos, Matawalle stated that the Navy’s efforts have led to a substantial reduction in oil theft, maritime crimes and other illegalities across Nigeria’s waters. “Your 69 years of sacrifice are etched into the annals of our nation’s history,” Matawalle stated, describing the Nigerian Navy not merely as a defender but as an
indispensable guardian of Nigerian prosperity. He said, “For 69 years, the Navy has epitomize vigilance, resilience, and patriotism in an era where our economy relies on the security of our waters. The Nigerian Navy emerged not merely as a defender, but as an indispensable guardian of Nigerian prosperity.
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The piracy incident that took place in the Gulf of Guinea on 30th May 2025 occurred at coordinates 2°37’35”N, 6°46’47”E, approximately 75 nautical miles northwest of Santo Antonio Port, São Tomé and Príncipe approximately 420 nautical miles away from southeast, Nigeria. On May 30, 2025, at approximately 1614 UTC, the C4i Operational Centre of the
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received a distress alert via the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG), reporting a suspected pirate attack on a commercial vessel. According to a statement signed by Mr Osagie Edward, Head, Public Relations at NIMASA, “preliminary investigations have confirmed the affected vessel to be the MV ORAGE FROST, a general cargo ship bearing
IMO Number 9797656, and flying the flag of Curaçao. The incident occurred at coordinates 2°37’35”N, 6°46’47”E, approximately 75 nautical miles northwest of Santo Antonio Port, São Tomé and Príncipe, approximately 420 nautical miles away from southeast Nigeria.”
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