Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has announced the acquisition of five advanced fixed-wing hybrid VTOL drones from China to enhance mapping and surveillance in oil communities across the Niger Delta. Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director of Operations and Technical Services at Tantita, shared this news during his keynote address at the African Maritime Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) 4th annual symposium in Lagos.
These hybrid drones combine the benefits of traditional fixed-wing UAVs, including extended flight times of up to three hours, with the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of rotary-wing devices. This makes them ideal for various applications, including pipeline inspections, surveillance, and rescue operations, without the need for extensive takeoff and landing spaces.
In addressing the challenges posed by climate change to Nigerian coastal communities, Capt. Enisuoh proposed implementing carbon credit schemes that could potentially generate over N320 million annually for these areas. He emphasized the positive impact of carbon credits, highlighting that a mature tree absorbs approximately 80 kg of CO₂ each year. If 50,000 trees were allocated per coastal community, the potential earnings from carbon credits could be significant, especially across the 1,600 communities in the Niger Delta.
Despite Nigeria’s recent adoption of the Climate Change Act, Enisuoh raised concerns about ongoing investments in diesel-powered infrastructure. He suggested that the Nigerian Ports Authority could use carbon offsets to fund port automation and urged maritime operators to engage with carbon credit initiatives with a genuine environmental focus rather than merely for profit.
The symposium, inaugurated by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola (represented by Prof. Stephen Fakinlede), aimed to generate viable solutions for the blue economy’s challenges. Dr. Felicia Mogo, President of AFMESI, emphasized the importance of innovative financing mechanisms to support sustainable ocean industries, stressing the need for investments that benefit vulnerable communities.
The event gathered key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection in coastal areas.
