Gulf of Guinea Focus: Week 25
- Agwe Global
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
The Nigerian Immigration Service has said that maritime insecurity, especially in the Gulf of Guinea, threatens the safety of vessels and crew members. The NIS noted that the threats undermine regional stability, economic growth, and integration. Comptroller-General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, made this observation in Lagos during a regional workshop on maritime border security co-hosted by the NIS with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre. The workshop was themed ‘Maritime border security in the context of counter-terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea’. She described the theme as apt and timely in evaluating and rethinking security under the present circumstances of evolving maritime threats in the GoG. “Maritime insecurity from illegal oil bunkering, fishing, piracy, armed robbery, and oil-related crimes threatens vessel and crew safety. These threats undermine regional stability and hinder economic growth and integration. And this is why we are gathered here today to find actionable solutions,” Nandap said.
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Renewed hostilities have erupted between NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) and host communities in Bayelsa State over unresolved disputes surrounding security vessel contracts. Eight oil-producing communities — Koluama 1 & 2, Ezetu 1 & 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, and Sangana — have issued a fresh ultimatum, threatening to shut down operations at Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 86 and 88 if their concerns are not addressed within seven days. The KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust accused NEPL and its contractors of sidelining local stakeholders in awarding key security contracts traditionally seen as avenues for community empowerment. The communities alleged that Pennington Production Limited, which operates the fields, along with contractors Multiplan Nigeria Limited and EDEMX, failed to engage or consult local leaders before taking over the contracts. In a letter to NEPL, Chairman of the KEFFES Trust, Chief Tuduo Christopher, warned that the company’s “nonchalant attitude” risked sparking unrest in the region
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The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has declared its unequivocal support for Nigeria’s campaign to regain its seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, while commending the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its outstanding strides in enhancing maritime security and governance. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos over the weekend, MWUN President General, Comrade Francis Bunu, highlighted NIMASA’s transformative role, particularly in the successful reduction of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea — a region once notorious for maritime insecurity. “We now enjoy peace on our waters, and this is a remarkable achievement that not only ensures the safety of maritime operators but also promotes regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” Bunu stated. He underscored that NIMASA’s proactive measures in maritime safety have significantly elevated Nigeria’s standing within the global maritime community. Bunu further pledged that MWUN would leverage its extensive network of international affiliates to rally global support for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid.
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At the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Nigeria has made a strong call for the prompt ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and a significant increase in funding for blue economy initiatives to ensure the protection and sustainable use of the world’s oceans. Delivering Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasised that urgent and collective global action is needed to secure the health of the oceans for future generations. The conference, which has drawn participation from over 120 member states, is jointly hosted by France and Costa Rica under the theme “Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.” Speaking on Nigeria’s position, Minister Oyetola stated that as a coastal state, Nigeria recognizes the ocean as a repository of tremendous wealth, natural capital, global food security, employment opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods.
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In a renewed effort to promote accountability, professionalism, and national economic security, the Maritime Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force has initiated a strategic partnership with the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Clearing Agents (N.C.J.T.F.L.C.A). During a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Lagos, top officials of the Task Force, led by National President, Dr Basil Nwolisa, met with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Musa Yusuf Garba. The meeting served not only to introduce the newly inaugurated national officers of the Task Force, but also to lay the groundwork for joint actions aimed at sanitizing Nigeria’s maritime corridors from illegal practices that cost the nation billions annually. Speaking at the meeting, AIG Garba emphasized the urgent need for credible partnerships that would help eliminate entrenched malpractice in port operations. “The integrity of our maritime sector is crucial to national development. We are open to collaborating with lawful organizations that are genuinely interested in compliance, transparency, and the rule of law,” the AIG said.
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Personnel of the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Delta have apprehended three suspected pipeline vandals and recovered six crude-laden boats. Parading the two suspects and recovered items at the Warri Naval Base, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, said that the suspects were arrested by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos anti-crude oil theft team. Zubairu said that the suspected crude oil thieves were arrested at Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Malu Jacket, 19 offshore, Escravos in the Niger Delta creek. He said that its personnel conducted a sting operation in the early hours following credible intelligence. According to Zubairu, three of the suspects were apprehended at the scene, while others fled in six speedboats powered by 200HP engines and carrying nine drums a piece. The naval chief said that the modus operandi of the suspects further indicated the involvement of a well-organised and well-resourced syndicate. “The suspects were attempting to illegally siphon crude oil from the jacket in a highly coordinated operation when our operatives acted swiftly and decisively.
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