There is ongoing controversy regarding the Nigerian Navy’s continued issuance of bunkering permits, with critics in the maritime industry calling it an anomaly.
At the Lagos International Maritime Week, Commodore Igbani Agwu, General Manager of Planning for the Nigerian Navy, defended the Navy’s involvement in issuing these permits. He explained that the Navy’s intervention was necessary due to the need to regulate a sector plagued by illicit activities, including oil theft, which he claimed is unique to Nigeria.
However, some maritime stakeholders have challenged this justification. They argue that while crude oil theft is indeed a global issue, navies in other countries do not engage in commercial activities within their shipping industries.
A member of the Nigerian Ship Owners Association (NISA), who requested anonymity, criticized the Navy’s involvement, suggesting it is driven by the Navy’s vested interests in commercial shipping. This member also pointed out that oil theft occurs in various countries, including Mexico, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Cameroon, and Sudan.
Capt. Tajudeen Alao, President of the Nigerian Master Mariners Association, noted that prior to the Navy’s involvement, the Nigeria Customs Service was responsible for issuing bunkering permits. He suggested that the Navy’s entry into this process was a response to abuses and breaches in the permit system, with the Navy now also overseeing economic violations in Nigerian waters.
Alao argued that while oil theft is a global issue, Nigeria’s situation is exacerbated by its unique geographical features, such as extensive creeks. He emphasized that the scale of oil theft in Nigeria is severe, despite the government’s measures.
Commander Dan Wiskett of the British Navy commented that the British Navy does not engage in commercial activities, contrasting with the Nigerian Navy’s role.