Nigerian Waterways Security Controversy
The decision of the federal government to hand over the security of Nigerian waterways to a concessionaire is facing stiff opposition from stakeholders.
The recent federal government decision to concession security of Nigerian waterways to a private firm has continued to raise dust in the maritime sector. Most maritime operators and security officials in the country have kicked against the attempt to transfer security responsibilities to a private hand. They have vowed to stop what they term a “risky step” of the Nigerian government.
The ruse over maritime security started a few weeks ago, when the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, signed a contract with Messrs Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited, GWVSNL, an indigenous firm set up about five years ago. In the terms of the contract, GWVSNL is to provide a platform for tracking ships and cargoes, enforce regulatory compliance and surveillance of the entire Nigerian maritime domain.
The contract was endorsed by the federal executive council, FEC, but maritime operators believe it was fraudulently sealed without going through the due process. Security conscious Nigerians and operators at the seaports are of the opinion that instead of concessioning maritime security to a private firm, the government should provide funds to established institutions like the Nigerian Navy, Marine police, Customs and other agencies which have the experience of securing the Nigerian maritime domain.
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Written by Pita Ochai, courtesy of Newswatch.
One Reply to “Nigerian Waterways Security Controversy”
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I thank the good people of Nigeria who fought against “risky step” that is federal government decision to concession security of Nigerian waterways to a private firm. Instead of concessioning maritime security to a private firm, the government should establish the proposed MARITIME SECURITY AGENCY MASECA and make the agency work with other established institutions like the Nigerian Navy, Marine police, Customs and other agencies to secure the Nigerian maritime domain.
The piracy activities had kill our fishing indusries.Oil theft, pipeline vandalism and pollution is a serious issue and most be addressed with all effort.Our marine ecosystem is gone due to the oil theft, pipeline vandalism and pollution. Warri oil and gas industries are almost dead due to piracy and community crises
Most people had not experience oil pollution and the fire outbreak physically, they only watch it on TV hence they handle it with ease.
We lost Billion of naira,lost lives ,properties, degrade our ecosystem to oil pollution.Jesse, Ogoni, Afiesere and environs had experience pollution and the dead fire outbreak.
Why will some people use short cut to put our lives in danger yet Maritime Security Agency MASECA is pull down for no just cost.
Maritime Security Agency MASECA if established will create employment to Nigeria people especially the youths,bring peace,check corruption, increase our foreign reserves and promote healthy investment in Nigeria. It will reduce the problems Oil theft, pipeline vandalism, pollution.
The questions that we have not answer. 1. Who are the people working against Maritime Security Agency MASECA Bill?
2. Why is it that some people are using the press to pull down Maritime Security Agency MASECA.
3.Maritime Security Agency MASECA when pass to law will the agency work for House of Rep, Senate or Nigeria?.