Tantita Security Calls For Overhaul Of Nigeria’s Maritime Security System

By Stella Okocha 

Executive Director, Operations and Technical at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, has called for urgent reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.

Enisuoh said Nigeria must adopt stricter access controls, modernise port infrastructure and improve surveillance across waterways to protect critical assets against evolving threats.

Speaking at Second Nigeria Transport Summit 2026 themed “Navigating Global Disruptions and the Road Ahead: Mobility, Energy and Trade Facilitation for a Resilient Future,” Enisuoh said aviation sector offers valuable lessons for maritime authorities in security auditing, perimeter control and monitoring.

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

He attributed aviation’s progress to stringent international audits, perimeter fencing and strict access requirements, urging maritime authorities to adapt similar safeguards to port operations.

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

Enisuoh decried fragmented development of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, saying poor coordination between airports, seaports and cargo distribution facilities undermines logistics efficiency.

“When we were building the country, we didn’t really think of intermodal transport,” he said, noting that some countries deliberately position airports and seaports close to each other to allow efficient movement of cargo.

“Here, we are still operating in silos,” he added, calling for future projects to incorporate better intermodal connections and for existing facilities to be reassessed and modernised as trade volumes change.

“Even airports or seaports do expire,” he said.

He advocated deeper ports capable of accommodating larger vessels and simplifying vessel monitoring, as well as port automation to improve security and cargo handling.

Citing Port of Los Angeles as example, he described how automated systems for container positioning, cargo movement and facial recognition for drivers could reduce human intervention while improving oversight.

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

He said such technology could help verify cargo information and detect irregularities, making ports more secure and faster in cargo processing, but stressed need for appropriate infrastructure and cooperation among agencies.

Enisuoh warned that Nigeria must intensify efforts to protect territorial waters and offshore energy assets amid evolving criminal tactics and global shipping disruptions.

He disclosed that Tantita has introduced long-range drones capable of covering distances between Ghana and Warri to strengthen maritime surveillance.

“We have to be more aware. Maritime patrols should increase,” he said, stressing that sustained monitoring and collaboration with security agencies are essential.

“We are working in partnership with the Nigerian Security Forces,” he confirmed, declining to discuss operational details.