CARBON OFFSET: Tantita Security Top Gun, Capt Waredi Enisuoh Urges NPA to Supply Shore-Power to Vessels At Berth, Generate Funds

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Capt Waredi Enisuoh (1st from right) Capt Sunday Umoren, Prof Fakinlede representing the minister (4th) Dr Felicia Mogo, Managing Director of NIWA Mr Oyebamiji among other participants at the AFMESI Symposium.

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Capt Warredi Enisuoh has urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to provide shore power to vessels calling at the nation’s ports which would serve as carbon offset for the Authority and ultimately generate more revenue.

Capt Waredi disclosed this while giving a keynote address at the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) 4th annual symposium and workshop held in Lagos on Tuesday.

In his presentation, titled: “Achieving Blue Growth In A Changing Climate – Integrating the Coastal Communities”, Capt. Warredi disclosed that “When ships dock, instead of keeping their generators running, we can provide them with shore power. However, it’s crucial that the shore power is not generated by burning diesel or other fossil fuels.

“We can establish wind farms or install solar panels along the coast and supply this clean energy to the ports. This way, when ships dock, they can use shore power and shut off their diesel engines.

“This action alone would serve as a significant carbon offset for the Nigerian Ports Authority, and it’s also financially beneficial.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) can leverage this carbon offset for further development, such as port automation. There are opportunities for exchanges and incentives that could be gained through this process.

“As I mentioned before, seaboards and their ships contribute to 3 to 5 percent of emissions. If the ports successfully decarbonize, they can achieve significant offsets. If this is done well, it will benefit not only the ports but also the cities.

“However, we need to act quickly. The Western world knows that Africa tends to be slow in adopting these initiatives.

“Sometimes, they don’t even bother engaging with our governments, anticipating delays or hurdles, often due to demands for personal gain, which slows down progress in this part of the world.

“We need to shift our mindset to focus on the collective good of humanity.
Western countries are now developing what we call mechanical ships. Although the technology is still expensive, they are looking to us to bridge the gap and contribute to this advancement” he said

Worried by the debilitating effects of climate change in several Nigerian coastal communities, the Tantita Security top gun also suggested the adoption of carbon credit schemes which could see communities earn over N320million yearly.

He equally noted that one mature tree can absorb 80kg of CO₂ from the atmosphere in a year and noted that several developed countries have adopted the carbon credit initiative to preserve their environment.

“If we allocate 50,000 trees per coastal community. One carbon credit is equivalent to one ton of carbon dioxide which is valued at $50. CO₂ absorption per year = 80kg x 50,000 Trees = 4,000,000kg. Earning 4,000,000kg x $50/1,000 – $200,000/уear. $200,000 x 1,600 – N320,000,000 annually,” Warredi explained.

He, however, lamented that despite the recent signing of the Climate Change Act by Nigeria, the federal government is still investing in the acquisition of diesel-powered trains.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, declared the workshop open and encouraged the participants to share viable suggestions to addressing the numerous challenges in the blue economy.

Oyetola, who was represented by Prof. Stephen Fakinlede, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to safety and sustainable blue economy.

Earlier, the President of AFMESI, Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Mogo, maintained that the initiative is focused on establishing innovative financing mechanisms that support blue economy projects across Africa.

“We aim to attract investment in sustainable ocean industries, from eco-friendly aquaculture to renewable marine energy, and to ensure that these investments benefit the communities most in need. We will work with financial institutions, government agencies, private organizations, among others to achieve this goal.”

“Over the years, AFMESI has championed numerous projects and initiatives in Nigeria, and across Africa, aimed at protecting our marine ecosystems, empowering coastal communities, and advancing policy frameworks that support sustainable marine practices,” she remarked.

The event was graced by several eminent Nigerian maritime bigwigs including the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; Secretary General of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central African Region (Abuja MoU), Capt. Sunday Umoren; Managing Director of Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), Barr. (Mrs.) Adesuwa Ladoja; President, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Hon. Olaitan Williams; among others.

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