Even though everyone is keeping mum about it, there are strong indications that the controversial Maritime Security Agency (MASECA) Bill has found its ways back to the National Assembly, and it is being considered for fresh debate by the lawmakers.
Our correspondents spoke to a few concerned individuals both at the National Assembly and at the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) which is expected to superintend the proposed agency and it was put together that indeed the fresh move actually came from the Presidency.
Even though everyone is keeping mum about it, there are strong indications that the controversial Maritime Security Agency (MASECA) Bill has found its ways back to the National Assembly, and it is being considered for fresh debate by the lawmakers.
Our correspondents spoke to a few concerned individuals both at the National Assembly and at the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) which is expected to superintend the proposed agency and it was put together that indeed the fresh move actually came from the Presidency.
Although, our usually dependably sources at the two chambers of the National Assembly pleaded not to be dragged into the move and refused to offer any comment, Shipping Position Daily however confirmed that the Bill is back and that the leadership of the National Assembly is in the know of the fresh moves.
Our sources hinted that the MASECA debacle came up again, shortly after the new NSA; Col Sambo Dasuki was appointed.
A source in the NSA’s office said last week that, the Presidency is not quite satisfied with the way the concession that was given to Messrs Global West Vessel Specialist by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the policing of the nations’ territorial waters was turning out and the criticism it is receiving; especially from the international community.
According to the source, the arrangement is being reviewed. “What those guys are doing is not sustainable and can not be cited in any part of the world as a model, it is archaic and unprofessional”, the source hinted.
Shipping Position Daily was told that the NSA was able to convince President Goodluck Jonathan to give the MASECA a chance.
It was also confirmed that, prior to the exit of the former National Security Adviser, there was a proposal that, rather than throw away the MASECA idea, the Presidential Committee on Maritime Safety and Security (PICOMSS), which was to transmute to MASECA should be subsumed under NIMASA as a unit, but the idea was opposed vehemently by the military egg heads in PICOMMS.
Before it was ordered to be withdrawn from the Senate by President Jonathan last year, the MASECA Bill had been passed by the House of Representatives and was about to scale the third and final reading at the Upper legislature.
If and when it is reintroduced, it will be subjected to fresh debates at the two chambers.
The MASECA Bill seeks to establish a Maritime Security Agency which shall be charged with the responsibility of providing security and safety facilities for all participants in the Nigerian maritime industry and associated industry.
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