Boat owners cry out over rising piracy attacks on Rivers waterways 

Marine Equipment Owners and Leasing Association of Nigeria, MEOLAN, has petitioned the Rivers State government and relevant security agencies over the rising piracy attacks on the waterways. The body in a press conference addressed by its President, Chief Hope Kuku, in Port Harcourt, yesterday, expressed concerns over the rising piracy threat to the marine operations and to the economy of the state  Kuku regretted the increasing harassment, violent extortion, and hostage situations, especially in areas like Onne and Okujagu, adding that it is jeopardizing maritime trade.
Kuku stressed that while MEOLAN complies with regulations from the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, that all efforts are futile without government intervention to secure the waterways, which should serve as safe routes for legitimate trade. He said’: “We are calling on the Rivers State Government, the Inspector General of Police, and military commanders for assistance as a shutdown of marine services could trigger a larger economic crisis, particularly affecting oil production.”
Kuku, however, announced what the body termed a necessary price increase for its services due to inflation, stating that the new minimum prices have been set at ₦500,000 for double screw tugboat and ₦400,000 for barges, effective March 1, 2025. He reassured customers that prices would be adjusted if costs decrease, stressing the capital-intensive nature of the marine equipment leasing business.