Captain Romeo Itima’s mission was driven by three core values:
Family First – Building a lasting legacy that his family could contribute to and benefit from for generations.
Empowering the Ijaw and Nigeria – Uplifting his people by creating opportunities for growth, self-sufficiency, and economic prosperity.
Championing the Undervalued – Recognizing the immense talent within underserved communities and working to empower them to reach their full potential.
His life was a testament to sacrifice, leadership, and the belief that true success is measured by how much you lift others up.
As the founder of Global West Vessel Specialists (GWVS), Captain Itima had a vision to revolutionize Nigeria’s maritime industry. His work aimed to:
Elevate Nigerian Maritime Workers – Advocating for international recognition and fair wages.
Protect National Revenue – Strengthening NIMASA’s ability to track vessel movements and secure proper revenue for Nigeria.
Enhance Vessel Monitoring – Implementing advanced tracking systems to prevent illegal activities in Nigerian waters.
Ensure Global Compliance – Aligning Nigeria with international maritime regulations, enhancing its global standing.
Date of Incorporation: January 25, 2008
Registered Name: Global West Vessel Specialist Limited
RC No.: 727473
Initial Authorized Share Capital: 1,000,000 ordinary shares of ₦1 each
Directors (as of January 16, 2008):
Shareholders at Incorporation (dated January 7, 2008):
From the very start, my father, Captain Romeo, shouldered the greatest financial and technical burdens. His relentless faith in Nigeria’s maritime potential—and in the power of collaboration—led him to bring on directors and shareholders who he believed possessed moral integrity and valuable connections, including a retired Rear Admiral, a former Senator, and business-minded allies. Though their collective networking held promise, it was Romeo’s expertise, capital, and hands-on leadership that propelled Global West forward.
Global West wasn’t just a business—it was a bold experiment in maritime security and accountability. Captain Romeo Itima had an idea, but in the beginning, that idea had to prove itself against the odds.
In its earliest days, Global West operated on a shoestring budget. Romeo wasn’t just a founder—he was a risk-taker, an innovator, and a man willing to invest every personal resource into his vision. He used the ship tracking techniques and software he had mastered during his years as a seaman in the United States—applying the rigorous standards of the U.S. Coast Guard to Nigeria’s unregulated waters.
Alongside his right-hand men, including Jolly Isede, Romeo worked tirelessly through the night, tracking and logging vessels. They compared satellite data, cargo manifests, and actual ship movements—exposing discrepancies and identifying illegal operators. The stakes were immense: Global West’s revenue was entirely performance-based. The company would only get paid if they uncovered enough non-compliant vessels to meet the benchmark set by NIMASA. If they failed, they earned nothing.
Romeo took on the financial burden himself. He took out loans, poured in personal savings, and covered salaries, boats, software, and daily operational costs. With no guarantees of success, he put everything on the line.
But financial risk wasn’t the only challenge. Romeo refused to lead from behind a desk. With his deep maritime knowledge, he couldn’t afford to hire someone at his own level—so he took charge personally. He went on patrols, training his crew, ensuring they followed strict protocols, and making sure no shortcuts were taken. He understood that the only way to make Global West truly effective was to lead by example.
As Global West gained traction, it became clear that strategic partnerships were essential. In April 2009, the company’s capital was increased from ₦1,000,000 to ₦5,000,000, a necessary step to sustain operations and expand its reach. With this growth came new directors and shareholders, each bringing valuable expertise and networks to the mission:
While these partners helped scale Global West’s impact, none of them shared Romeo’s financial risks. They weren’t the ones burning through the night hours, personally funding every patrol, or taking on the immense burden of proving this model could work.
Years of groundwork, endless patrols, and strategic insight finally paid off. In 2011, Global West’s relentless pursuit of maritime accountability earned it a breakthrough contract with NIMASA (Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency). Their advanced ship-tracking system was now official.
By this time Romeo felt like Global West was on the trajectory to be something great so he asked his brother Winfred Itima to join him and enjoy the fruits of the labor. That same year, director Oyewole Leke was appointed Senior Special Assistant to then-President Goodluck Jonathan on Maritime Services, prompting his resignation from Global West and forfeiture of his shares.
Oyewole Leke, introduced Olabis Idowu Afolabi (Bisi)
By 2012, the company finally turned a profit. Romeo began repaying loans, compensating early investors, and seeing the fruits of years of self-sacrifice and strategy.
But just as success dawned—tragedy struck
Years of groundwork, endless patrols, and strategic insight finally paid off. In 2011, Global West’s relentless pursuit of maritime accountability earned it a breakthrough contract with NIMASA (Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency). Their advanced ship-tracking system was now official.
By this time Romeo felt like Global West was on the trajectory to be something great so he asked his brother Winfred Itima to join him and enjoy the fruits of the labor. That same year, director Oyewole Leke was appointed Senior Special Assistant to then-President Goodluck Jonathan on Maritime Services, prompting his resignation from Global West and forfeiture of his shares.
Oyewole Leke, introduced Olabis Idowu Afolabi (Bisi)
By 2012, the company finally turned a profit. Romeo began repaying loans, compensating early investors, and seeing the fruits of years of self-sacrifice and strategy.
But just as success dawned—tragedy struck
Captain Romeo Itima was a pioneering U.S. Merchant Marine Captain and visionary leader who revolutionized Nigeria’s maritime industry. His legacy of courage, sacrifice, and empowerment endures as a beacon of justice and resilience.
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