WAF Shipping Focus: Week 17
- Agwe Logistics Solutions
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Nigeria is set to deepen its maritime security architecture, with plans to expand the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, widely known as the Deep Blue Project, as well as ramp up local fish production to curb imports, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said. Speaking in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) recently, the minister said a proposal had been submitted to the Federal Government to upgrade the Deep Blue Project in order to further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. He described the initiative as a game-changer, noting that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters for more than four years due to the implementation of the globally-acclaimed Deep Blue Project. “The project, which integrates air, land and sea assets alongside advanced surveillance systems, has significantly improved maritime domain awareness and response capability, restoring confidence among international shipping lines and investors,” the Minister said.
For further information please check the link:
Managing Directors of leading shipping lines operating in Ghana, including MSC, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, and PIL, convened for their quarterly engagement meeting with the management of Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS) at Terminal 3 of the Tema Port. The session, part of a structured stakeholder dialogue platform, provided a comprehensive update on MPS’s operational performance, ongoing investments, and forward-looking growth strategy. Addressing participants, the Chief Executive Officer of MPS, Mr. Mohamed Samara, highlighted the company’s continued growth momentum and strategic direction: “MPS continues to deliver strong growth, with a 22% increase in cargo volumes recorded in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
For further information please check the link below:
The Nigerian Navy has deployed warships, helicopters and elite maritime forces for Exercise Obangame Express 2026, a major multinational operation aimed at strengthening security across the Gulf of Guinea. Flagging off the exercise aboard NNS Kada in Onne, Rivers State, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the operation has become a critical platform for tackling piracy, oil theft and other transnational maritime crimes threatening regional economies. “This annual exercise has evolved into a strategic platform for advancing coordinated maritime security operations within the Gulf of Guinea,” Abbas said. He noted that the initiative, supported by United States Africa Command, enables participating countries to build trust, improve intelligence sharing and enhance real-time operational coordination. “In an era where maritime threats are increasingly transnational and asymmetric, no single nation can effectively secure its waters in isolation,”
For further information please check the link below:
After a long period on uncertainties, the Senate has finally granted concurrence passage to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill 2026. The Bill was passed during plenary in Abuja. The passage followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (Benue South). The lawmakers had, before consideration, rescinded their earlier decision on the bill, as previously passed and transmitted to the president for assent. Shipping Position Daily recalls that the Bill was first passed by the National Assembly in 2025, for assent by the President. It was however returned by the President to the National Assembly for amendments, owing to certain clauses that were seen as potential areas of clash with other agencies of government. Confirming this yesterday at plenary, Senator Opeyemi informed that following critical examination by the Ministry of Justice, fundamental issues were identified requiring fresh legislative action.
For further information please check the link below:
The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom, in collaboration with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has rescued 14 victims abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar-Oron waterways. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Uyo. According to her, the rescue operation followed sustained intelligence-driven efforts, strong inter-agency collaboration and intensified pressure on criminal elements operating within the maritime corridor. “Acting on credible intelligence, joint operatives intensified surveillance and launched targeted operations across identified flashpoints, culminating in the safe rescue of all victims without any loss of life,” John said. She added that the rescued victims were undergoing medical evaluation and treatment, as well as debriefing, before being reunited with their families. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, commended the professionalism and synergy displayed by personnel of both agencies.
For further information please check the link below:
The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspected pipeline vandals in Bayelsa State during an intelligence-led operation targeting crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement, saying the arrests were made by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO as part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage in the region. According to him, the operation was carried out on April 25, 2026, at about 3:00 a.m. following credible intelligence. He said naval personnel raided Egbama-Angalabiri in Ekeramo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, leading to the arrest of one Mr. Godwin, popularly known as “Idiot,” who was identified as the leader of a pipeline vandalism syndicate operating within the Clough Creek axis. Folorunsho said intelligence and surveillance had linked the suspect to recent attacks on oil and gas facilities, while details of his residence and movement patterns were also obtained before the raid.
For further information please check the link below:
Comments