Esther Komolafe

Textron Systems Corporation has secured a deal to deliver three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to Tantita Security Services, enhancing Nigeria's security operations. Highlights: Contract Win: Textron Systems to deliver Aerosonde Mk 4.7 VTOL UAS to Tantita Security Services Security Boost: UAS will protect Nigeria's vital oil and gas infrastructure Proven Performance: Aerosonde UAS has over 700,000 flight hours in challenging environments Multi-Mission Capability: System offers VTOL and fixed-wing options, adaptable to various security operations "This award builds on the Aerosonde UAS family of systems' support to international customers," said David Phillips, Senior…

The 2026 Nigerian Maritime Merit Awards (NMMA) has recognized outstanding contributions to Nigeria's maritime industry, with top honours going to industry leaders and professionals. Winners: Maritime Man of the Year*: Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi (47.7% of votes) Best Maritime Reporter*: Godfrey Bivbere (42% of 2,403 responses) Maritime Woman of the Year*: Faith Zibs Godwin (36% of votes) Best Duty Collecting Bank*: Access Bank (38.7% of votes) Lifetime Maritime Achievement Award*: Prince Olayiwola Shittu (41.2% of votes) Other notable winners include Taiwo Afolabi, who came second in the Maritime Man of the Year category, and Tantita Security Services, which won…

Nigeria's port security agencies have started the new year with a bang, intercepting 30.1 kilograms of cocaine at the Apapa Port, Lagos, on January 2, 2026. The joint operation by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) discovered the drugs concealed onboard the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, MV Aruna, at the Greenview Terminal. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, warning that Apapa Port remains hostile terrain for smugglers. "This seizure sends a clear message that there will be no hiding place for illicit cargo, whether in…

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is calling on maritime stakeholders to gear up for a year of greater impact, as the nation steps into 2026. Greater Impact: MARAN urges stakeholders to recommit to improved service delivery and robust maritime reportage Collaboration: Partnerships crucial to making Nigeria's maritime space admired and celebrated Unity: Collective efforts in 2025 contributed to sector growth, sustain spirit of unity and collaboration in 2026 MARAN Chairman, Tunde Ayodele, expresses appreciation for 2025 support, seeking renewed commitment in 2026. He wishes members and stakeholders, a happy new year, and welcomes them to a year of…

Four suspected oil thieves have been arrested in Delta State, with their vessel, MT Thor, intercepted, as authorities crack down on economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta. Highlights: Arrest: 4 suspects caught with unspecified quantity of suspected stolen petroleum products Vessel Seized: MT Thor, allegedly laden with crude oil, linked to Ebenco Global Services Limited Investigation: Joint team collects samples, examines documents, and reviews court orders Prosecution: Suspects face trial for economic sabotage, as Federal Government vows to dismantle oil theft networks Tantita Security Services Limited intercepted the vessel, with Police Marine Unit involvement reportedly linked to Force Intelligence Department…

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has smashed its 2025 revenue target, generating ₦111111111111111111.5trn, surpassing the target by ₦51.8bn. Revenue Generated*: ₦1.576trn (exceeds target by ₦51.84bn) Major Drivers:  Bulk cargo, general merchandise, and used vehicles Achievements : Streamlined alert management, robust stakeholder engagement, and intelligence-driven operations Seizures:  Significant prohibited and improperly declared goods intercepted Comptroller Frank Onyeka attributes success to officers' discipline, professionalism, and collective responsibility. Wa He assures sustained revenue collection, enforcement, and transparency, aligning with the Service's reform agenda .

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed gratitude to Nigerian journalists, particularly the maritime media, for their role in Nigeria's recent success at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections. Highlights: IMO Election Win: Nigeria wins Category C council election after 14 years Media Support: NIMASA acknowledges maritime media's contribution to showcasing Nigeria's maritime potential Developmental Journalism:  Agency emphasizes importance of responsible reporting Continued Support: NIMASA pledges backing for Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) NIMASA's Deputy Director, Edward Osagie, commended MARAN for responsible journalism, noting that the agency values the association's support despite perceived shortcomings. MARAN President,…

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 20 diverted transit containers worth ₦769.5 million in the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, containing goods like vitrified tiles, diesel engine oil, and medical supplies. *Key Highlights:* Intercepted Goods: Vitrified tiles, diesel engine oil, polyester fabrics, used clothing, and more Prohibited Imports: Several items fall under Common External Tariff (CET) restrictions Conviction: Abdulrahman Sani Adam sentenced to 3 years in prison or ₦3 million fine Tracking System: Electronic container tracking rollout nears completion, offering real-time monitoring CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi warns that cargo diversion undermines revenue, compromises security, and damages Nigeria's international standing. Importers and logistics…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing media engagement and capacity building for journalists in 2026. Speaking at the 2025 Zone 'A' End-of-Year Media Parley, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada emphasized the importance of impactful reporting and public understanding . Highlights: Journalist Training*: Structured programs to be rolled out across regional clusters Media Relations*: Evolving role of PR department as a bridge between Service and public Technology Integration*: AI tools to enhance engagement with journalists and stakeholders Officer Training*: Focus on emotional intelligence, professionalism, and humility Maiwada urged Customs officers to foster respectful communication, stating that "the…

A new era in maritime journalism has begun in Nigeria with the launch of the Centre for Maritime Media & Capacity Development. The centre was unveiled at the 10th anniversary of the Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists, organized by First Mediacon Network Limited . The centre aims to equip maritime journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape, driven by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and social media. CEO of First Mediacon Network Limited, Mr. Sesan Onileimo, emphasized the importance of future-proofing maritime reporting, stating that the centre will provide continuous training and development programs…