In this interview with newsmen in Lagos, Executive Director, Operations & Technical at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, shares insights on the steps Nigeria must take to build a sustainable maritime industry. He also speaks on seafaring development and issues confronting the profession. TOLA ADENUBI brings the excerpts:

WHY is the maritime industry important to national development?

The maritime sector is far more than ships and ports. It encompasses shipping, logistics, fisheries, offshore oil and gas infrastructure, renewable ocean energy, shipbuilding, maritime security, and regulatory systems. Globally, over 80 percent of international trade moves by sea. Countries that understand this reality use their maritime sectors as engines for economic growth, industrialiSation, employment generation, and national security. The maritime industry creates opportunities for trade competitiveness. When a country owns and operates shipping lines that transport its own cargo, it gains greater control over logistics costs and enhances the competitiveness of its exports. This is one of the major advantages enjoyed by countries such as China. Beyond trade, maritime development strengthens national security. A robust shipping industry gives nations better control over what enters and leaves their territorial waters while reducing vulnerability to illegal activities, environmental crimes, and security threats.

From your experience, where do most developing maritime nations get it wrong?

Most countries get the foundation wrong. Once the foundation is weak, governments spend decades trying to fix problems by restructuring agencies, merging institutions, or creating new ones. The first thing any serious maritime nation needs is a clear vision. What exactly does the country want to achieve through its maritime sector? Is it aiming to become a shipping hub, a transshipment center, a shipbuilding nation, or a maritime services powerhouse? Without a long-term vision backed by measurable goals, planning becomes ineffective. Countries that succeed establish clear maritime strategies linked to trade growth, employment generation, investment attraction, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability. Even when mistakes occur, governments must be willing to acknowledge them and make corrections rather than continue on ineffective paths.

What lessons can Nigeria learn from successful maritime nations?

Nigeria can learn a great deal from countries such as Singapore, Norway, Australia, China, and even Togo. Togo is a particularly interesting example, because it was once behind Nigeria in maritime development. Through strategic planning, deep-water port development, and investments in port infrastructure, it has become a significant transshipment destination in West Africa. Many containers destined for Nigeria are now discharged in Togo because larger vessels cannot conveniently access some Nigerian ports. The lesson is simple: nations that invest in infrastructure and maintain a long-term vision, attract maritime business. Singapore is another excellent example. The country invested heavily in maritime education, shipping services, port efficiency, and technology. Today, it remains one of the world’s leading maritime hubs.

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How important is port infrastructure to maritime development?

Port infrastructure is absolutely critical. Modern maritime trade is increasingly dominated by larger vessels. Many of today’s container ships can carry up to 24,000 TEUs. Such vessels require deep-water ports, sophisticated cargo handling equipment, efficient storage facilities, and seamless transportation connections. Nigeria must continue investing in deep seaports, dredging projects, logistics corridors, rail connectivity, and modern terminal operations. Future ports should be designed around automation and efficiency. Some ports around the world already operate largely through automated systems, where cranes, transport vehicles, and container management systems function with minimal human intervention. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind as these technologies become industry standards.

What role does maritime education play in national competitiveness?

Maritime education is one of the most important pillars of maritime development. If educational institutions are weak, graduates will struggle to secure jobs both locally and internationally. The global maritime industry operates under strict standards established by the International Maritime Organization. For seafarers to work aboard vessels flying foreign flags, their certificates must be recognized through international agreements and compliance audits. This means maritime academies, certification processes, training standards, and examination systems must meet global benchmarks. Class sizes, instructor quality, practical training facilities, and curriculum standards all matter. Competency-based education cannot be effectively delivered in overcrowded classrooms. Nigeria must therefore invest more heavily in maritime institutions and ensure they meet international requirements.

What challenges currently face Nigerian seafarers?

One major challenge is the perception of quality and competence. Certain countries have established strong reputations for producing highly skilled seafarers. Filipino seafarers, for example, enjoy widespread acceptance across the global shipping industry because of the quality associated with their training systems. Nigeria must work toward creating similar confidence in its maritime workforce. This requires stronger training institutions, rigorous certification standards, regular audits, practical exposure, and closer collaboration between industry and educational institutions.

How important is technology in the future maritime industry?

Technology will define the future of maritime operations. Artificial intelligence, automation, remote monitoring systems, satellite communications, autonomous vessels, and advanced surveillance technologies are already transforming the industry. The future will include ships that operate with significantly reduced crew complements and, in some cases, autonomous capabilities. This does not necessarily mean job losses. Instead, it means the workforce must evolve and acquire new technical skills to maintain, monitor, and manage these systems. Countries that invest in research and development today will become the leaders of tomorrow.

What reforms are needed in Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework?

Nigeria has signed many international conventions, which is commendable. However, signing conventions is only the beginning. The real challenge lies in implementation. Regulatory agencies must maintain high standards in vessel inspections, seafarer certification, port state control, and flag state administration, safety enforcement, environmental protection, and compliance monitoring. There must also be continuity in expertise. Regulatory institutions need succession planning to ensure that experienced professionals are replaced by equally qualified personnel. Strong institutions are essential for maintaining international credibility and attracting investment.

How can the country encourage fleet development?

Fleet development requires deliberate government support. Shipping is a capital-intensive industry, and ship acquisition costs are significant. Therefore, governments must create enabling policies that encourage investment. Tax incentives, access to financing, maritime development funds, favorable regulations, and public-private partnerships can all stimulate fleet expansion. The Cabotage framework was designed to promote indigenous participation in coastal shipping, but greater effort is needed to ensure its objectives are fully realized. Without a strong indigenous fleet, Nigeria will continue to rely heavily on foreign vessels for the movement of its cargo.

What message do you have for young Nigerians interested in maritime careers?

The opportunities are enormous, but young people must prepare themselves properly. They must embrace education, research, technology, and continuous learning. The maritime industry is evolving rapidly. Traditional maritime skills remain important, but future professionals must also understand automation, artificial intelligence, data analysis, cybersecurity, satellite communications, and advanced logistics systems. Young Nigerians should not merely seek certificates; they should strive to develop competence. The future belongs to those who can solve problems, innovate, and adapt to changing realities.