There have been security concerns over the recent directive by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice; Abubakar Malami that armed private security guards are not allowed on board ships in Nigerian waters.
The Minster had at recent industry even in Lagos, directed that such operations should stop, but investigations by Shipping Position Daily correspondents confirmed that the private security firms were actually endorsed by the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authourity (NPA) as far back as 2014.
It was discovered that indeed, the Navy has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with one of such firms; Ocean Marine Services; (OMS) to operate what is called the Secured Anchorage Area (SAA) for the purpose of reduction of piracy, sea robbery and other maritime crimes in the Lagos Anchorage area.
Security sources told our correspondents that as far back as 2014 to 2015, there were attempts to carve out a more secured place where ships could berth and be given top notch protection provided by private security firms.
The sources, who spoke at different times disclosed that, apart from the Secured Anchorage Area, there were other demarcations, such as the Free Anchorage Area (FAA) , the No Anchorage Area (NAA) the Free Passage Area( FPA) and the Ship-to-Ship Transfer Zone.”
They confirmed that, Secured Anchorage Area was specifically carved out and approved by the Federal Government in the wake of the spike in piracy and attacks on ships in the approaches to Lagos harbours and at berths.
It was also confirmed that, as at 2015, operators of SAA in Lagos charge $3,000 each for day one and day two followed by $1,500 from day three onwards. Additional escort services can see rates ranging from a low of $4,500 for basic services to a high of $64,000 for lengthier voyage services, inclusive of bunkers.
Efforts to ascertain how much is paid currently were unsuccessful as security sources that are in the know refused to give further information.
Another source however confided in our correspondent that, the directive may lead to a relapse in current efforts at taming the scourge of tacks on ships and kidnapping of seafarers.
Security sources told our correspondents, that prior to the minister’s directive, Intercargo; a body of vessel owning companies had issued industry alert over rising piracy in Nigerian waters
Cautioning its ship operators, Intercargo advised them to “arrive at the Pilot Station, Port, Anchorage or STS Area just in Time. Time transit with consideration to safe speed and maintaining distance offshore or use an offshore waiting area. Consider higher transit speeds where risk/threat assessment is high.
The body also acknowledged that Nigeria has banned used of private guards on board ship. “The use of Privately Contracted Armed Guards on board is banned in Nigerian waters. If using an armed escort, due diligence on the company providing this service must be conducted to ensure strict adherence to the MOU issued by the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA”. It added that “Nigerian Naval armed guards can protect merchant ships utilising patrol boats to escort ships in the region”.
It also warned ship captains against “rendezvous, where possible, avoid waiting and slow steaming. Consider offering several alternative rendezvous points and advice rendezvous points at the last minute. If waiting, keep well off the coast (up to 200nm). Do not give away waiting positions. Do not drift and keep engines ready for immediate manoeuvres”.
“Ship owners and managers must have a means of verification that hardening measures are available and in place on vessels prior to entering the Gulf of Guinea area. Spot check for verification at ports within the Gulf of Guinea area is an additional option to consider.
But, a retired naval personnel who was involved in the provision of private security and operations of the Secure Anchorage Area in Lagos, but who also pleaded to be anonymous, argued that the secured anchorage initiative has not only resulted in a more secured operational environment, but has also increased the confidence of the international shipping lines calling at the nation’s ports.
He recalled that prior to the engagement of private armed guards and secured anchorage, shipping lines were charging ‘war insurance levy’ on Nigerian shippers, he added that this was an increase to cost of shipping business in Nigeria.
He also raised alarm that he minister’s order may precipitate an upsurge in piracy and sea robberies in Nigeria.
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