Tantita Chief Warns Of Maritime Security Gaps, Calls For Urgent Reforms

 

Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has urged Nigeria to strengthen maritime security by adopting stricter controls, modernising ports and improving surveillance across its waterways.

Enisuoh said the aviation sector offered valuable lessons for maritime authorities, particularly in access control, security auditing and monitoring. He argued that Nigeria must also rethink transport infrastructure planning and strengthen economic diversification to protect critical assets against evolving threats.

Speaking at the Second Nigeria Transport Summit 2026, themed “Navigating Global Disruptions and the Road Ahead: Mobility, Energy and Trade Facilitation for a Resilient Future,” he stressed that effective security required more than technology. According to him, infrastructure planning, regulation and cooperation among stakeholders were equally important.

Enisuoh said aviation had performed better than maritime operations in several aspects of security. He attributed this progress partly to stringent international audits, airport perimeter fencing and strict access requirements.

“When it comes to the airports, I can tell you one thing. The air side has done very, very well compared to the maritime side,” he said.

He urged maritime authorities to examine the safeguards used at airports and adapt suitable measures to port operations. He said effective monitoring could discourage criminal activity by making unauthorised movements easier to detect.

“The moment people know that they are being watched from one end to another, that itself is security for you,” Enisuoh said.

His remarks highlighted the need for stronger coordination between security agencies, port operators and other maritime stakeholders.

The Tantita executive director also criticised the fragmented development of Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. He said insufficient coordination between airports, seaports and cargo distribution facilities could undermine logistics efficiency.

“When we were building the country, we didn't really think of intermodal transport,” he said.

Enisuoh explained that some countries deliberately position airports and seaports close to one another. This allows cargo to move more efficiently between air and maritime transport, reducing delays and improving trade facilitation.

“Here, we are still operating in silos,” he said.

He called for future infrastructure projects to incorporate better connections between transportation modes. He also urged authorities to reassess existing facilities as trade volumes and shipping requirements change.

“Even airports or seaports do expire,” he said, arguing that outdated facilities must be modernised to meet emerging operational demands.

Enisuoh further advocated deeper ports capable of accommodating larger vessels. He suggested that suitable port designs could simplify vessel monitoring and improve operational efficiency.

Enisuoh identified port automation as another important measure for improving security and cargo handling. He pointed to automated systems for container positioning, cargo movement and driver identification as examples Nigeria could examine.

Using the Port of Los Angeles as an example, he described how technology could reduce unnecessary human intervention while improving operational oversight.

“As a driver drives through the gates, there is facial recognition for the driver. They know who he is,” he said.

He added that container identification systems could help authorities verify cargo information and detect irregularities. Such measures, he argued, could make ports more secure while supporting faster cargo processing.

However, successful automation would require appropriate infrastructure, effective oversight and cooperation among the agencies responsible for port operations.

Enisuoh warned that Nigeria must intensify efforts to protect its territorial waters and offshore energy assets. He said evolving criminal tactics and international shipping disruptions could create additional pressure on the country’s oil industry.

Enisuoh also said the company had introduced long-range drones to strengthen maritime surveillance. He described the equipment as capable of covering distances between Ghana and Warri.

“We have to be more aware. Maritime patrols should increase,” he said.

He maintained that sustained monitoring and cooperation with security agencies were essential to protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests. He confirmed that Tantita was working with Nigerian security forces but declined to discuss specific operational details.

“We are working in partnership with the Nigerian Security Forces,” he said.

Enisuoh’s recommendations underscored the interconnected challenges facing Nigeria’s transport and energy industries. Stronger maritime enforcement, modern port facilities and better infrastructure coordination could help reduce vulnerabilities.