Privatising Nigeria’s Security

The Federal Government of Nigeria has come under criticism following the decision to outsource a considerable part of its maritime security requirements to the private sector.

Maritime Security: Government’s Disguised Promise Of Insecurity

Despite public outcry against its concessioning of security of its waters, the federal government has refused to reason with the Nigerian citizens. By contracting Nigeria’s maritime security to a private firm, experts say the federal government has insensitively displayed its lack of understanding of the intensity of maritime security, SAMSON ECHENIM writes

Amidst controversies and criticisms by experts and well-meaning Nigerians, the federal government went ahead to approve the $103.4 million (N16 billion) contract to Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited (GWVSNL), a private firm believed to be owned by an ex-militant, Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

Even as the Federal Executive Council approved the 10-year concession of maritime security on Lagos to Calabar coastline to GWVSNL two weeks ago, the public-private partnership department of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has denied that security itself was part of the contract.

The federal government did not stop there. It is also using its might to influence experts’ and stakeholders’ position and opposition to what appears to be one of the latest government’s ‘settlement mentalities’.

Even the agency concerned, the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been cowed, supposedly by the federal…..[access full article]