Sanwo-Olu Raises Alarm Over Sophisticated Maritime Crimes in Lagos

Sanwo-Olu Raises Alarm Over Sophisticated Maritime Crimes in Lagos
Seeks Stakeholder Collaboration to Tackle Maritime Insecurity
NDLEA partners FUNAAB to boost artemisia cultivation

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has raised concerns over the growing sophistication of criminal networks operating within Nigeria’s maritime space, warning that they are increasingly taking advantage of technology, weak regulations and compromised port systems.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that he called for stronger collaboration among key stakeholders to address the rising threat to security within the country’s blue economy.

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Speaking at a conference organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Apapa, Lagos, the governor noted that the tactics used by criminal groups are evolving at a worrying pace.

“What is particularly alarming is that criminal actors are diversifying their methods,” he said, stressing the need for urgent and coordinated action.

The conference, which focused on safeguarding Nigeria’s blue economy from organised crime, illicit drug trafficking and piracy, brought together representatives from the Navy, Police, Immigration and other relevant agencies.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on the Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, described the theme of the event as both timely and critical.

He said Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and a major gateway for maritime trade in West Africa, plays a central role in addressing the challenges facing the sector.

According to him, the gathering sends a strong message that the country is ready to take a firm stand.

“This is a declaration of national intent that Nigeria will no longer allow its maritime domain to be exploited as a corridor for crime, a conduit for narcotics, or a theatre for piracy,” he stated.

Earlier, the NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, Archieabis Ibinabo, highlighted the broader implications of drug trafficking, noting that it is closely linked to other forms of organised crime.

“Drug trafficking is not just a crime but deeply interconnected with other forms of organised crimes, including money laundering, arms smuggling, human trafficking, terrorism and violent crimes,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohammed Marwa, represented by Ahmed Garba, stressed that securing Nigeria’s waters requires a joint effort.

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“Securing the maritime waters is not a task for a single agency, but a collective crusade,” he said, while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to working with policymakers, the judiciary and enforcement bodies to keep the maritime domain safe.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA has intensified efforts to promote alternative development initiatives aimed at reducing illicit crop cultivation.

As part of this, a delegation led by Marwa’s Chief of Staff, Col. MI Aminu, visited the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta and carried out a field assessment of Artemisia cultivation in Ibafo, Ogun State.

The visit, according to the agency, is part of a broader strategy to encourage sustainable agricultural practices and provide alternatives to illegal activities.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended the initiative, noting the institution’s vast agricultural potential, including thousands of hectares of arable land.