By Joshua Yousouph
Nigeria risks falling behind in the rapidly evolving global maritime industry unless it embraces emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and advanced digital systems that are already reshaping shipping operations across the world, maritime expert Captain Waredi Enisuoh has warned.
Speaking recently in a lecture in Lagos titled “The Youth and the Future of Nigerian Maritime Sector: Understanding How Nations Develop Their Maritime Industry,” the Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, said the future of global shipping would be driven by technology, requiring countries to urgently invest in research, innovation and workforce development.
Enisuoh noted that technological advancements are already transforming maritime operations, with smart ports, automated cargo handling systems and autonomous vessels gradually becoming the norm in advanced maritime economies.
According to him, future ships may operate with significantly fewer crew members, while some vessels could function almost entirely through automated systems controlled remotely from shore-based centres.
“Very soon, you’ll find ships arriving in ports with little or no crew onboard. It will happen. That is where the industry is heading,” he said.
He, however, stressed that automation should not be viewed as a threat to employment but rather as a signal for maritime professionals to acquire new skills needed to operate and maintain emerging technologies.
“That does not mean people will become jobless. It simply means that people must learn how to service, maintain and manage these new systems,” he explained.
The maritime expert pointed to developments in surveillance technology as evidence of how rapidly innovation is changing operational practices.
Drawing from his experience at Tantita Security Services, Enisuoh revealed that the company’s drone technology has evolved significantly through continuous research and development.
According to him, while earlier generations of drones could remain airborne for only a few minutes, newer systems are capable of operating for up to 14 hours and transmitting real-time information through satellite technology across long distances.
He said similar technological advancements are taking place in the global shipping industry, where research is accelerating the development of autonomous vessels, smart navigation systems and artificial intelligence-driven maritime operations.
Enisuoh also highlighted the growing adoption of automated ports around the world, citing facilities such as the Port of Los Angeles, where container handling processes are increasingly controlled by digital systems.
“In some ports today, cranes are automated, transport vehicles move without drivers and containers are managed through programmed systems linked to GPS technology,” he said.
He noted that automation has enabled ports to maximize space utilization, improve cargo throughput and significantly reduce operational delays.
The maritime expert lamented that Nigeria is yet to fully embrace such innovations, warning that failure to do so could undermine the country’s competitiveness as global shipping continues to evolve.
He identified weak research culture as one of the major obstacles to technological advancement in Nigeria’s maritime sector, stressing that countries that fail to invest in research often struggle to keep pace with industry developments.
“We have not invested enough in research. If you do not have research institutions and a culture of innovation, you will always be behind those who are creating the future,” he said.
Enisuoh urged government agencies, maritime institutions and private sector operators to increase investments in maritime research, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and innovation-driven education.
He also called on young Nigerians seeking careers in the maritime sector to broaden their competencies beyond traditional seafaring skills and embrace disciplines such as artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity, satellite communications and data analytics.
According to him, future maritime professionals will be required to combine conventional maritime knowledge with advanced technological expertise to remain relevant in an increasingly automated industry.
He further emphasized that technology transfer and local innovation would be crucial to Nigeria’s long-term maritime development, noting that countries that successfully develop indigenous technological capabilities are better positioned to compete globally.
Enisuoh maintained that while Nigeria possesses the human and economic resources needed to become a leading maritime nation, sustained investments in technology, research and innovation would determine whether the country benefits from the next phase of maritime transformation.
“The future belongs to nations that can innovate. Shipping is changing rapidly, and Nigeria must prepare now if it wants to remain relevant in the global maritime industry,” he said.
