The private firm offering security services for vessels using the secure anchorage facilities, while waiting for berthing at Lagos ports; Ocean Marine Solution Limited (OMSL) has kicked against the reported termination of its contract by the Nigerian Ports Authourity(NPA).
It said that reports of the action by NPA has cast aspersion on it (OMS) integrity and the service it renders.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that NPA had recently told shipping lines to stop patronizing the security firm. This development was widely reported by the media.
But, in a statement made available to our correspondent by the company, Ocean Marine Solutions noted that, working closely with the Nigerian Navy, it has contributed immensely and positively to the economy of Nigeria.
It further stated that the collaboration with the Nigerian Navy has contributed to the improved security in the approaches to Lagos harbours.
The release further stated that whoever seeks to give the impression that SAA operations constitute threat to national security lacks understanding of the real situation or is clearly and mischievously spreading falsehood deliberately for personal agenda.
Making reference to newspaper publication on the contract, OMS says,” “while we do not intend to join issues with anyone seeking to disparage our company on the pages of newspapers for ulterior motives, we wish to state that OMSL is a responsible and professionally run organisation that has enviable track-record of contributing immensely and positively to the economy of the nation, working closely with the Nigerian Navy”.
“This collaboration has contributed to the improved security and tranquility enjoyed today offshore Lagos harbour approaches, through provision of platforms and logistics support that enabled maintenance of the 24/7/365 presence at sea necessary to deter the criminal elements. This has not only given captains of vessels making port calls to Lagos so much peace and comfort, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has also downgraded the High Risk Area (HRA) classification for Lagos waters twice recently as a result of the cooperation. All these positive results are achieved at no cost to government”
“Therefore, anybody seeking to give the impression that SAA operations constitute a threat to national security, simply lacks understanding of the real situation or is clearly and mischievously spreading falsehood deliberately for personal agenda.”, it added.
“It is in the light of these that the pronouncements being credited to NPA in this contest, are seen as insensitive to patriotic contributions of honest Nigerians or malicious to criminalize the efforts in order to justify scrapping of a credible and working security solution.
Reiterating its contract with the Navy OMS added that it has no engagement with the NPA, and that its relationship with the Navy is well known to the NPA.
“OMS is working under the Nigerian Navy (not NPA) operates the Secure Anchorage Area, a relationship that has been communicated and NPA duly acknowledged the occurrence by publishing the Marine Notice in 2014.
The company further explained that NPA has no authority to disband an arrangement by the Nigerian Navy that is providing security offshore for members of the shipping community that choose to use the services.
“Just like the Nigerian Navy cannot prescribe any arrangements NPA has with any company to deliver on its mandates, NPA has no authority to disband an arrangement by the Nigerian Navy that is providing security offshore for members of the shipping community that choose to use the services”.
Harping on the efficacy of the services it renders, OMS added that, “the SAA arrangement is working and has helped to reduce the piracy occurrence in the region, and most importantly, at no cost to government”.
On the $2000 charged per day at the anchorage area, the company stated that the money is meant to cover the cost of procuring patrol boats and providing logistics to operate them and also achieve a round-the-clock presence required to deter the criminal elements, thereby complementing government efforts of getting rid of piracy.
“The 2,000.00 dollars charge per day is simply to cover the cost of procuring the patrol boats, and providing the logistics to operate them to achieve the 24/7/365 presence required to deter the criminal elements.
“The SAA is therefore complementing government efforts rather than opposing them and should be encouraged as a successful home-grown solution to make the nation's maritime domain safer and more secure”, the statement added.
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