‘Nigerian Port Modernisation Best Achieved Through Greenfield Project’ – Captain Enisuoh

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Tantita Security Services Limited poster boy, Captain (Dr.) Warredi Enisuoh has said the easiest way to achieving port modernization in the present time is by through green field, noting that existing ports are already overburdened with unwarranted environmental abuses that make port modernization support, difficult.

Captain Enisuoh, middle, been presented the DMP award on behalf of his boss, by Richard Owolabi of Abuja MoU, while Convener of the National Discourse, Kelvin Kagbare, looks on

This is even as he disclosed that Tantita owned by Niger Delta warlord, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, has created about  200,000 jobs since coming onbaord, and have upscaled the general security of the region.

The Tantita Executive Director of Operations who was speaking on the automation of Nigeria’s ports and related systems at the One Day National Discourse organized by Maritime Nigeria, publishers of ‘Maritime Insider’ and Newsgate Magazine at Rockview Hotel, GRA Apapa Lagos on Thursday, explained that port automation can only take place in three interconnected stages, namely, offshore, terminal yard and hinterland.

Captain Enisuoh in his extensive thought-provoking paper with the theme “Port Modernization: Automation, Regulation, Administration and Competencies”, further explained that each stage requires strategic planning and seamless coordination.

He cautioned that Nigeria’s old port infrastructure and urban encroachment around the ports and terminals are unhealthy and potentially complicates automation efforts.

“The best and cheapest way to achieve full automation is through green field projects”, which he said allows planners to design ports from scratch with integrated systems and space optimization.

Captain Enisuoh who also doubles as a former airplane pilot and an avid maritime security expert stressed the need for massive resettlement programmess and private sector collaboration in addressing infrastructure bottlenecks. He also highlighted the importance of aligning port automation with hinterland logistics, noting that automation inside the port would fail if evacuation systems outside remain inefficient.

However, he noted that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has made significant strides in matters of modernization and security, attributing improved safety in the Niger Delta region to better socioeconomic conditions, job creation, and coordinated efforts between government and private stakeholders.

On environmental sustainability, he praised government initiatives on carbon credit implementation, commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for advancing climate-smart policies. He underscored that green innovation and local community participation in carbon offset programmes can drive economic inclusion while enhancing port competitiveness.

On the status of pipeline vandalism and insecurity in the Niger Delta,  Enisuoh said both has reduced significantly owing to a lot of factor, the most being the drive down of criminality via the activities of Tantita.

“The previous administration and the current administration also have been very, very supportive. Awareness is very great now because if you remember before the previous administration came into being on this particular project, oil theft was high, but the public did not know the extent of the damage, But now, even the public also calls us when things are going wrong”, he said.

Tompolo and Enisuoh individually, bagged the ‘Dinstinguished Maritime Personalities’ (DMPs) awards during the event.