Apparently running from the hostile environment in Nigeria, many oil-laden tankers have now deserted Nigerian waters for neighbouring Togo for illegal Ship To Ship (STS) transfer of petroleum products.
A reliable source who is a marine surveyor disclosed to Shipping Position Daily, that the strictness of the officials of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has made ship owners to shift their activities to waters of neighbouring West African nations; especially the Togolese axis.
Apparently running from the hostile environment in Nigeria, many oil-laden tankers have now deserted Nigerian waters for neighbouring Togo for illegal Ship To Ship (STS) transfer of petroleum products.
A reliable source who is a marine surveyor disclosed to Shipping Position Daily, that the strictness of the officials of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has made ship owners to shift their activities to waters of neighbouring West African nations; especially the Togolese axis.
The source, who pleaded anonymity revealed that official of NIMASA have driven the illegal STS operations away from Nigerian waters, stating that the demand for relevant documents by NIMASA officials from such vessels has been extremely too much meet.
He likened the NIMASA officials at sea to the road marshal; Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIOs).
He revealed that the operatives of NIMASA are usually very aggressive on the vessels and the crew, even as he stressed that the approach may lead to revenue loss to the nation and enrich the pockets of Nigeria’s’ neighbours.
Even though he stated categorically that the port of Lome in Togo is secured and safe, the merchant navy officer reiterated that STS still thrives there. According to him, 80% of the activities are carried out by Nigerian flag vessels and ship owners.
The mariner further alleged that, even though many have shifted base to Togo, , there are several tankers that are still engaged in STS operations within the Nigerian maritime domain, he called on NIMASA to map out better strategies how to further curb the illicit act.
According to him, the development may scare many of the indigenous ship owners away from Nigeria because most of them gain immensely from STS activities on Nigeria waters.
He however said that the STS activities are creating massive job opportunities for seafarers and master mariners in Togo, adding that there are possibilities that the Togolese authorities may legalise the business in order to boost her economy and her maritime activities.
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