By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH NIGERIA’S indigenous shipping fleet is edging toward collapse as the long-delayed Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF)—now estimated at more than $350 million—remains undisbursed despite repeated government assurances. Stakeholders say the fund, created in 2003 to finance vessel acquisition, has stagnated for nearly two decades while the fleet has shrunk from 24 […]
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH FOUR passengers abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Nigeria–Cameroon waterways have been rescued unharmed by the Nigerian Army, security sources confirmed. The victims — Ebuka Clinton, Alice David Albino, Usin Divine, and another passenger — were kidnapped on 2 December 2025 while travelling by speed boat from Ikang Beach in […]
By ESTHER McWILLIS-IKHIDE THE Nigerian Navy has destroyed five illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta as part of intensified operations against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. The action was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos during a series of coordinated raids in November. Commanding Officer, Navy Captain Ikenna […]
By ESTHER McWILLIS-IKHIDE NIGERIA’S gas industry continues to power the nation’s foreign earnings, generating $10.01 billion from 13.53 million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the first nine months of 2025. The exports reached markets across Europe, Asia, and beyond, including Spain, France, Portugal, The Netherlands, Kuwait, South Korea, Pakistan, Jamaica, The Philippines, […]
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH IN Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, the sea used to be kind. That’s how James Nana, a Ghanaian fisherman who arrived in Nigeria in 1992, remembers it. “You could sail anytime, return with fish, and sleep well,” he says. “No pirates, no fear.” Back then, fish were plentiful and danger was […]
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH ON the shimmering waters of Ibaka, one of Nigeria’s largest fishing towns, the sea no longer promises livelihood — it threatens survival. For men like Ita James, fishing was once a proud inheritance, a trade that fed families and sustained entire communities. Now, each voyage feels like a gamble with […]
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH AS the yuletide shipping rush begins, Nigerian importers are set to bear a fresh ₦190.5 billion ($127 million) cost burden following the introduction of new Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) by global shipping giants Maersk Line and CMA CGM. The two leading carriers, which jointly handle about 680,000 containers bound for Nigeria […]
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH MARITIME industry experts have called for comprehensive modernisation of Nigeria’s ports to enhance global competitiveness, efficiency, and economic growth. Speaking at the 3rd National Discourse on “Port Modernisation: Automation, Regulation, Administration, and Competencies,” held in Lagos, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control, Capt. Sunday Umoren, described ports as […]
By ANDERSON (ANDY) CLIFF AT least four migrants have died after their boat capsized near the Greek island of Lesbos amid strong winds, Greek authorities said on Thursday. According to public broadcaster ERT, the coastguard rescued seven survivors, all believed to be men from Sudan, while a search continues for more missing passengers. The total […]
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH DENMARK has pledged to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria to develop the maritime sector and position the country as a leading hub in Africa. Speaking at the 10th Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK), Danish Consul-General Jette Bjerrum said Nigeria’s youthful population and vast coastline present huge opportunities for technology-driven maritime growth. […]