NIMASA Responds to MV Skipper Allegations: Clarifying Nigeria’s Role

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has made headlines recently due to reports linking Nigeria to the MV Skipper, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) that was seized by U.S. forces. Allegations of crude oil theft and transnational crimes have stirred a wave of concerns, prompting NIMASA to dismiss these claims emphatically.

Behind the Seizure: The MV Skipper’s Background

The MV Skipper, a 20-year-old tanker, has become a focal point in discussions surrounding maritime crimes. In a statement released by NIMASA, it was clarified that this vessel is not registered under the Nigerian flag and operates without any authorization to function as a Nigerian ship. This key point undermines the connection that some reports sought to establish between Nigeria and the vessel’s activities.

Registry Status of the Vessel

NIMASA further highlighted that preliminary checks reveal the tanker does not appear in Nigeria’s official ship registry. Additionally, the purported owners, Lagos-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd., have not been registered with NIMASA as a recognized shipping entity. This lack of documentation raises questions about the legitimacy of the vessel’s operations and ownership.

U.S. Intervention and Allegations

The clarification from NIMASA comes after the announcement by the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy that the MV Skipper was intercepted off the coast of Venezuela. American authorities allege that the vessel was involved in serious crimes, including crude oil theft and piracy. Furthermore, it is said to have been illicitly transporting oil from sanctioned nations like Iran and Venezuela. The MV Skipper has been under U.S. sanctions since 2022, complicating its already precarious situation.

Tracking the Vessel: NIMASA’s Oversight

NIMASA has asserted its commitment to tracking maritime activities through its C4i Centre, declaring that data shows the vessel was last seen in Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024. Following this date, the MV Skipper is reported to have continued on its regular international routes, eventually reaching the Caribbean where it was intercepted. This timeline is crucial, as it helps delineate the vessel’s movements and highlights NIMASA’s role in monitoring maritime activities.

Ownership Changes and Flag Violations

The agency noted that the MV Skipper, previously owned by Triton Navigation Corp. of the Marshall Islands, has undergone several ownership changes over the years. At the time of its interception, the tanker was found flying the Guyanese flag without the necessary authorization. Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that the MV Skipper is not listed in its national registry, labeling the flag use as illegal. This tactic is not uncommon among vessels attempting to evade sanctions or obscure their actual ownership.

Commitment to International Cooperation

In light of these developments, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to cooperating fully with relevant authorities, including U.S. investigators. He emphasized that NIMASA takes the issues of maritime crime seriously and will not tolerate any criminal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain. This pledge signals a strong resolve to maintain integrity within Nigeria’s waters and to contribute to international efforts to combat maritime crimes.

The unfolding situation surrounding the MV Skipper highlights the complexities of international maritime law, ownership, and the ongoing challenges of piracy and oil theft. NIMASA’s proactive stance and commitment to international cooperation are vital as they navigate these turbulent waters.