The newly appointed Controller of Customs, Tincan Island Port Area Command, Comptroller J.A. Anani, has reaffirmed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police Command (Western), CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, at the Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

The visit highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen operational synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force, particularly within Nigeria’s busiest maritime corridor.

Strengthening Port Security Architecture

During the engagement, Comptroller Anani commended the Ports Authority Police (Western Command) for its consistent role in maintaining law and order within the port environment. He noted that the complexity of modern maritime operations requires sustained collaboration among all security and regulatory agencies to ensure seamless cargo movement, prevent criminal infiltration, and support national revenue generation.

He emphasized that intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and joint enforcement actions remain critical pillars in addressing emerging threats within the port ecosystem. According to him, no single agency can effectively manage the evolving security challenges of the maritime sector without strategic partnership.

Police Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration

In her response, CP Agbaminoja welcomed the Customs Controller and congratulated him on his new appointment, describing the visit as both timely and significant for the continued stability of the port environment.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ports Authority Police Command to maintaining strong working relationships with the Nigeria Customs Service and other critical stakeholders in the maritime sector.

The Police Commissioner stressed that effective collaboration, real-time intelligence exchange, and joint operational drills are essential tools in combating smuggling, fraud, and other criminal activities within Nigeria’s seaports. She added that a unified security approach is key to protecting critical national assets and ensuring smooth port operations.

Commitment to a Safer Maritime Environment

According to ASP Isaac Hundeyin, anipr, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, both agencies reiterated their shared commitment to deepening institutional cooperation.

He noted that the meeting reflects a broader national security objective aimed at building a more secure, efficient, and globally competitive maritime sector capable of supporting economic growth and investor confidence.

Both leaders pledged to sustain ongoing collaboration through enhanced communication channels, joint security strategies, and continuous engagement aimed at improving port efficiency and safety.

The visit concluded with a mutual agreement to further strengthen operational partnerships in pursuit of a safer and more productive maritime domain.

Tincan Island Customs Controller visits CP Agbaminoja in Apapa, reinforcing Nigeria Customs and Police collaboration to strengthen maritime security and port efficiency.

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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau) has renewed attention on the 1987 MV Doña Paz maritime disaster, widely regarded as the deadliest peacetime shipping tragedy in modern history, amid fresh concerns over maritime safety enforcement following recent incidents within Nigeria’s waterways.

The Bureau referenced the disaster as part of broader safety reflections triggered by the 2026 Onne Port collision, using the historical case to underscore persistent global lessons in overcrowding, weak emergency systems, and operational negligence.

On December 20, 1987, the passenger ferry MV Doña Paz collided with the oil tanker MT Vector in the Philippines, igniting a massive fire at sea that engulfed both vessels. The ferry, reportedly carrying far more passengers than officially recorded, became a death trap as fire spread rapidly through overcrowded decks.

Investigations later confirmed a chain of failures including severe overloading, lack of passenger accountability, poor emergency preparedness, and inadequate safety enforcement. The disaster claimed more than 4,000 lives, with only 26 survivors, making it one of the most catastrophic maritime incidents in recorded history.

Experts Warn Against Repeating Historical Failures

Reacting to questions posed by The Ameh News on the implications of the NSIB’s renewed focus, experts stressed that recalling past disasters must go beyond symbolic reflection and translate into enforceable reforms.

According to Dr Akin Olaniyan, a veteran journalist and leadership coach with over three decades of experience, Nigeria’s maritime safety ecosystem risks stagnation if historical tragedies are not institutionalised into training and operational discipline.

He noted that:

“Referencing disasters like MV Doña Paz is important, but the real value lies in embedding these lessons into leadership decisions, compliance culture, and enforcement systems. Without that, we are only repeating history in different waters.”

Dr Olaniyan further emphasised that leadership accountability remains central to preventing maritime disasters, adding that operational negligence often stems from weak supervisory structures rather than a lack of knowledge.

Economic Perspective: Safety as an Efficiency Issue

From an economic standpoint, Celestine Ukpong argued that maritime safety failures carry significant financial consequences beyond human loss, affecting trade efficiency, insurance costs, and investor confidence in the logistics and transport sector.

He explained that systemic maritime failures “introduce hidden costs into the economy, from disrupted supply chains to higher risk premiums for operators.”

Ukpong added that:

“When safety systems fail, the market reacts. Insurance becomes more expensive, shipping becomes riskier, and ultimately consumers bear the cost. The lesson from MV Doña Paz is not only humanitarian—it is deeply economic.”

NSIB Urged to Strengthen Preventive Frameworks

The conversation sparked by the NSIB’s reference to the Doña Paz disaster has renewed calls for stronger preventive mechanisms within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Stakeholders argue that while historical disasters remain valuable teaching tools, the real challenge lies in converting them into structured compliance systems, operator training modules, and real-time enforcement mechanisms.

Key concerns raised include:

Limited integration of global maritime case studies into licensing systems

Weak enforcement of passenger limits and vessel safety protocols

Inconsistent safety audits across waterways

Gaps in operator awareness of international maritime disasters

From Reflection to Reform

In response to ongoing discourse, Ameh News highlighted that the key question is not whether Nigeria remembers global maritime disasters, but whether such lessons are actively shaping present-day operational standards.

Experts agree that without deliberate institutional learning, historical tragedies risk becoming repeated warnings rather than preventive tools.

The MV Doña Paz disaster remains a stark reminder of how overcrowding, negligence, and weak enforcement can combine into catastrophic outcomes—an issue stakeholders insist must inform Nigeria’s evolving maritime safety framework.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau revisits the 1987 MV Doña Paz disaster as experts Dr Akin Olaniyan and economist Celestine Ukpong warn Nigeria to convert maritime safety lessons into enforceable reforms following concerns over recent port incidents.

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has issued a formal clarification regarding enforcement actions taken on the vessel MT NY Maria, which was intercepted for allegedly discharging Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) without the required Customs clearance at the MRS Terminal (Dantata Jetty), Tin Can Island Port.

The Service said the clarification became necessary in response to what it described as misleading narratives surrounding the incident, reaffirming that its actions were fully backed by law under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 (Act No. 35).

Routine Boarding Revealed Documentation Gaps

According to the Command, on Saturday, 23 May 2026, officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded the vessel upon arrival from the Dangote Refinery to carry out standard documentation and compliance checks.

During the exercise, officials discovered that the vessel did not possess complete documentation, notably the mandatory Last Port Clearance required from its port of origin. In line with standard procedures, the vessel’s agent was granted a two-day window to provide the outstanding document.

The vessel was subsequently sealed and placed under Customs control pending compliance.

Alleged Breach of Customs Seal

However, the Command stated that on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, intelligence reports indicated that the vessel had begun discharging PMS without obtaining the required Customs clearance and while still under an official Customs seal.

Responding to the development, officers were deployed to the terminal, where they reportedly encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility. Despite the obstruction, Customs officers gained lawful access and ordered an immediate suspension of the discharge activity.

The ship master was directed to report to the Enforcement Unit to provide a formal statement regarding the incident. The vessel was thereafter resealed in accordance with established procedures.

The Service clarified that the ship master was not arrested but only invited for questioning as part of ongoing investigations.

Legal Basis for Enforcement Actions

The Nigeria Customs Service Tin Can Island Port Command emphasized that its actions were grounded in provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, particularly Sections 30 to 35, which govern Customs control, inspection, documentation verification, and enforcement within designated Customs Control Zones.

The Command noted that under Section 31(2)(b), international seaports are designated Customs Control Zones, while Section 31(4) mandates that all imported goods must be properly unloaded, inspected, assessed, and cleared under Customs supervision.

It further stated that the alleged discharge of PMS by MT NY Maria without clearance and while under seal constituted violations of Sections 46 to 58, which cover reporting obligations, goods declaration, unloading procedures, and lawful release requirements.

Enforcement Powers and Ongoing Investigation

The Service reiterated that the Act empowers Customs officers to board, inspect, detain, and enforce compliance on vessels operating within Customs-controlled areas. It cited Sections 212, 222, 223, 225, and 226 as providing legal authority for inspection, surveillance, and detention where necessary.

It added that offences of this nature attract sanctions under Part XXXI of the Act, including seizure, forfeiture, and penalties for non-compliance with lawful directives.

The Command confirmed that investigations into the incident—including alleged obstruction of Customs officers—are ongoing in line with established administrative and legal procedures.

Commitment to Trade Facilitation and Compliance

Speaking through its Public Relations Officer, CSC OE Ivara CSC OE Ivara, the Command reaffirmed its commitment to balancing trade facilitation with strict enforcement of Nigeria’s fiscal and security laws.

The Service stressed that no vessel, operator, or individual is above the law within Nigeria’s port system, warning stakeholders to ensure full compliance with documentation and clearance procedures before engaging in cargo discharge operations.

The Command also reiterated that the Nigeria Customs Service Nigeria Customs Service will continue to carry out its statutory duties professionally, transparently, and without fear or favour.

Port Operations Context

The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Tin Can Island Port Command Tin Can Island Port Command, a key maritime gateway in Lagos, while the vessel reportedly arrived from the Dangote Refinery Dangote Refinery before proceeding to the MRS Terminal (Dantata Jetty), where the alleged illegal discharge took place.

The Service urged the public to rely solely on verified official communications and avoid spreading unverified reports that may undermine regulatory enforcement and national economic security.

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The Nigeria Police Force Ports Authority Police Command has reassured Muslim faithful, maritime stakeholders, and Nigerians of robust security arrangements across the nation’s port corridors as the country prepares to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

In a goodwill message issued ahead of the celebration, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police Command, CP Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful, port users, transport operators, and the general public, urging them to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, tolerance, obedience, peace, and national unity which the festival symbolizes.

The Police Commissioner said the Command has activated comprehensive security measures across seaports, terminals, jetties, waterways, and other critical maritime infrastructure to guarantee a peaceful and hitch-free celebration.

According to him, officers and men of the Command have been strategically deployed to strengthen surveillance operations, boost visibility policing, and protect lives and property before, during, and after the festivities.

Agbaminoja stressed that maintaining security within the nation’s maritime environment remains critical to sustaining commercial activities and supporting Nigeria’s maritime economy, especially during festive periods when movement of people and goods increases significantly.

He also appealed to port operators, maritime stakeholders, transport unions, and members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation within the port environment.

The Command reiterated its commitment to effective policing, law enforcement, and the protection of critical national assets located within the country’s seaports and waterways.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, the Command wished Muslim faithful a spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration while assuring Nigerians of continuous efforts to sustain peace, safety, and order across the maritime sector.

The statement further emphasized that the Ports Authority Police Command would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and sister security agencies to ensure seamless operations within Nigeria’s strategic port facilities throughout the festive season and beyond.

The Ports Authority Police Command has intensified security across Nigeria’s seaports, terminals, jetties, and waterways ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, assuring stakeholders of safety and effective policing.

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The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, has urged the Muslim ummah and indeed all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice associated with the Eid al-Adha.

The NIMASA DG stated this in his goodwill message to staff of the Agency, maritime stakeholders and the Muslim community on the occasion of this year’s celebration.

According to him, “this season reminds us yet again the importance of sacrifice as exemplified by the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Let us therefore embody this in our daily affairs by showing love to one another, exhibiting patriotism to our nation and above all remaining devoted to the teachings of Allah”.

He went on to wish Nigerians and especially stakeholders in the maritime project a happy celebration saying “Eid Mubarak to our valued staff and stakeholders. May this blessed celebration bring peace and joy. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the development of the maritime industry and expansion of the Blue Economy agenda”.

Dr Mobereola further appealed to all Nigerians to reflect on the values of empathy, charity, communal unity and sacrifice, which this season represents and work collectively towards building a safer and more prosperous nation.

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The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola has acknowledged the immense role women play in shaping the future of the maritime sector through courage, resilience, professionalism, and innovation.

Dr. Mobereola said this when he hosted several women maritime associations in commemoration of the International Day for Women in Maritime also expressed appreciation to the women associations and stakeholders for their continued contributions to the maritime industry.

Reflecting on the 2026 theme of the International Day for Women in Maritime, which is “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence”, the DG observed that the focus of this year’s commemoration was a deliberate shift from mere celebration to actionable implementation. According to him, “achieving sustainable growth and excellence in the maritime industry requires intentional efforts towards removing barriers that hinder women’s participation and ensuring safe, inclusive, and enabling workplaces for all”.

He reiterated that gender inclusion remains critical to unlocking the full potential of the blue economy, stressing that the industry can only attain true excellence when quality, competence, and equal opportunities are made accessible to everyone regardless of gender.

The NIMASA DG challenged the women leaders on the importance of creating pathways for mentorship, capacity building, and leadership development across all levels of the maritime sector to ensure greater female participation while creating a leadership succession pipeline.

Dr. Mobereola further renewed the Agency’s commitment to continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, empower women in maritime, and foster a more inclusive and progressive maritime industry in Nigeria and beyond.

The event brought together key women-led maritime associations and stakeholders across the industry, including the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), Women in Maritime (WIMA) Africa, Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), and the Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN). The gathering served as a platform to discuss the progress, challenges, and opportunities for women within the maritime sector, while promoting greater inclusion and participation in the industry.

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L-R: Representative of Hon. Minister of Defence Special Adviser on Security to the Minister for Defence in Nigeria; Musa Likita fsi, Director Maritime Safety and security Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Musa Makoji, His Excellency Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola CON, Director General Nigerian Maritime Administration and safety Agency; Dr Dayo Mobereola, Commander of NAF Mobility Command; Air Vice Marshal Michael Nnanye Onyebashi, Representative of State Minister for Defence, Director Navy Affairs; Joel Christopher, The Commander Operation Delta safe; Rear Admiral OBF Oladipo during the 2026 Deep Blue Operational Maritime/C4i Capability Demonstration and Graduation Ceremony in Elele, Rivers State.

The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the Deep Blue Project to vulnerable coastal and maritime corridors across the country, including the sensitive Bakassi axis, as part of efforts to further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Thursday during the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of 4DrAdvanced Combat Personnel and Capability Presentation of the Deep Blue Project Task Group held at the 5th Battalion Army Barracks in Elele, Rivers State.

Dr Oyetola said the planned expansion would target critical coastal areas such as the Bakassi Peninsula, Igbokoda and other vulnerable maritime corridors across the country.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at consolidating the gains already recorded under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, popularly known as the Deep Blue Project.

“Building on the significant strides already made, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is currently evaluating strategic frameworks for the expansion of the Deep Blue Project to further strengthen our maritime security architecture in critical coastal areas such as Igbokoda, Bakassi, and other vulnerable maritime corridors,” the minister said.

He explained that the move would further curtail maritime insecurity, enhance operational capacity, improve maintenance systems and ensure maritime security assets remain fully functional and effective in safeguarding Nigeria’s waters.

The minister stated that Nigeria had recorded zero piracy incidents within its territorial waters over the past four years due to the sustained implementation of the Deep Blue Project and collaboration among security agencies. He also said that piracy incidents across the Gulf of Guinea had declined by more than 70 per cent within the same period.

According to him, before the establishment of the Deep Blue Project in 2021, the Gulf of Guinea had become before that the most dangerous maritime corridor globally, accounting for nearly 45 per cent of reported global piracy incidents and over 90 per cent of crew kidnappings at sea during peak periods.

He said the project had significantly transformed Nigeria’s maritime security framework through the deployment of integrated air, land and sea assets supported by advanced surveillance systems and rapid response capabilities.

The Minister linked the successes of the project to the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying maritime security remained critical to economic growth, trade facilitation, investment promotion and national development.

He urged the graduating personnel to uphold professionalism, patriotism, teamwork and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.

Oyetola also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Armed Forces, security agencies and training partners for their contributions to the success of the initiative.

Speaking earlier, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the event as a major demonstration of Nigeria’s “operational readiness, institutional resilience, and determination to maintain a safe, secure, and economically viable maritime environment”.

According to him, the graduating officers completed 33 specialised training programmes covering multiple operational units within the Deep Blue architecture.

He said the graduates comprised 232 Maritime Security Unit operatives, 19 armoured vehicle drivers, 13 armoured vehicle mechanics, eight special mission helicopter pilots, eight helicopter technicians, five special mission aircraft pilots, six aircraft technicians, 49 special mission vessel crew members, 28 interceptor boat mechanics, 62 interceptor boat drivers, 52 Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence (C4I) operators, and 10 Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Systems operators.

The NIMASA boss said the personnel underwent advanced security and operational training in several countries, including Syria, Italy, Swaziland, Australia, and Nigeria, exposing them to global best practices in maritime security operations.

He said the operational assets of the Deep Blue Project include two special mission aircraft fitted with maritime surveillance sensors, two special mission helicopters for over-sea operations, two special mission vessels for deep-sea operations, eight unmanned aerial vehicles for real-time intelligence gathering, 16 fast interceptor boats, and 15 armoured coastal patrol vehicles.

The NIMASA Director-General thanked the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for providing strategic leadership and support for maritime security reforms.

The event was attended by representatives of the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, and service chiefs, all of whom delivered goodwill messages.

Highlights of the ceremony included the commissioning of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Workshop and Training Centre by the Minister, inspection of Deep Blue Project assets, tactical demonstrations and the presentation of certificates to the graduating security personnel.

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The incident, which reportedly occurred on May 20, 2026, involved the Maersk Valparaiso (Voyage 621S) carrying about 717 containers. The vessel allegedly collided with a barge within the busy Onne navigation channel, causing both craft to run aground. The container ship was said to have become stuck in mud, effectively obstructing marine traffic flow.

The immediate consequence was widespread operational disruption. Vessel movement in and out of Onne Port was suspended, while congestion built up at Bonny Anchorage, leaving ships that had already completed cargo operations unable to sail. The situation triggered delays across shipping schedules and renewed concern over navigational safety in one of Nigeria’s key maritime gateways.

Maritime regulators, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), were reportedly notified shortly after the incident, with coordination efforts focused on stabilising the channel and restoring safe passage.

However, attention quickly shifted to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the national multimodal accident investigation body, following public and industry concerns about its visible role in the early phase of the incident response.

Expert Reactions: Calls for Clarity, Coordination, and Institutional Visibility

Reacting to The Ameh News inquiry on the development, several experts weighed in on the broader implications for Nigeria’s maritime safety governance.

Economic and Systems Perspective

Economist Celestine Ukpong noted that disruptions of this scale go beyond port inconvenience, stressing that Nigeria’s trade competitiveness is directly affected when major shipping corridors are blocked.

He explained that repeated incidents of port congestion and delayed vessel movement reflect structural inefficiencies in maritime logistics coordination. According to him, the economic cost is often “silent but compounding,” affecting import timelines, export reliability, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s port system.

Governance and Safety Leadership

Media and leadership expert Dr Akin Olaniyan, who has over three decades of experience in journalism and leadership coaching, described the incident as a test of Nigeria’s transport safety architecture.

He emphasised that while operational agencies such as NPA and NIMASA typically lead immediate response efforts, investigative bodies like NSIB must maintain visible communication channels to reassure stakeholders and clarify procedural steps.

According to him, “visibility does not mean operational interference, but structured communication that strengthens public trust in institutional response systems.”

Financial Accountability and Risk Exposure

Chartered accountant Peter Adebayo focused on the financial exposure tied to maritime disruptions of this nature.

He explained that blocked channels and stranded vessels create cascading cost pressures on shipping lines, terminal operators, and cargo owners, including demurrage charges, contract delays, and insurance implications.

He added that stronger preventive frameworks and clearer incident reporting protocols could significantly reduce the financial shock absorbed by stakeholders during such events.

Public Relations and Institutional Communication

Public relations strategist Dr Ejike Nduilo highlighted what he described as a “communication vacuum effect” in high-impact infrastructure incidents.

He noted that in crisis situations, the absence of immediate institutional updates—particularly from agencies with investigative mandates—can lead to public perception gaps, even when technical coordination is ongoing behind the scenes.

He stressed that NSIB’s role is not operational intervention but structured safety communication, adding that timely briefings help prevent misinformation and reinforce institutional credibility during crisis events.

What the Incident Ultimately Reveals

Beyond the immediate marine obstruction, the Onne Port collision underscores a broader systemic challenge: coordination between operational agencies and investigative institutions in real-time crisis communication.

While NPA and NIMASA are expected to manage physical response and port control, NSIB’s mandate centres on independent investigation and safety recommendations. However, experts argue that modern transport safety systems now require a more visible and proactive communication layer during incidents of this magnitude.

As clearance operations continue and efforts to restore normal vessel movement intensify, stakeholders are increasingly calling for improved inter-agency communication protocols, clearer public updates, and stronger institutional visibility to maintain confidence in Nigeria’s maritime safety ecosystem.

A vessel collision at Onne Port has blocked the shipping channel and stranded vessels, prompting expert concerns over maritime safety coordination and the visible role of NSIB in Nigeria’s transport investigation system.

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The Deep Blue Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny received a distress call at approximately 1130 hours regarding the collision involving MV Valparaiso, a Singapore-flagged container vessel with IMO No. 9433054, and MT Lady Martina, a Nigerian-flagged oil products tanker with IMO No. 5104033. In response, the Base immediately deployed 10 armed personnel onboard DB 214, one of the interceptor boats under the Deep Blue Project, to the scene of the incident.

Five crew members onboard MT Lady Martina sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly evacuated to the FOB Bonny sickbay for medical attention.

Following the collision, MT Lady Martina drifted ashore and is currently aground along the Bonny Channel, while MV Valparaiso remains grounded at the Bonny Inner Anchorage pending damage assessment and further investigation.

The management of MAERSK has officially reported the incident to the Agency. Consequently, the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, has ordered a full investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collision.

In addition, NIMASA has established a Situation Monitoring Room to coordinate response efforts and monitor developments arising from the incident.

Dr. Mobereola who was personally on ground in Rivers State to inaugurate the situation room also directed the Agency’s Marine Environment Management Department to immediately commence an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the affected area, while taking necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the Tier 1 oil sheen and protect the marine environment.

Further updates and the outcome of the investigations will be communicated to the public as developments unfold.

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