Maritime Expert Wants NPA, NIMASA To Collaborate For Security Of Ports

A maritime expert, Mr Ola Akinsoji, has urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to collaborate to maintain security at the ports. Akinsoji made the call on Tuesday, in Lagos
He also urged the two organisations to unite all the security agencies at the ports — the NPA, the Police, the regular Police, the Navy and NIMASA’s operatives in order to secure Nigerian ports.

A maritime expert, Mr Ola Akinsoji, has urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to collaborate to maintain security at the ports. Akinsoji made the call on Tuesday, in Lagos
He also urged the two organisations to unite all the security agencies at the ports — the NPA, the Police, the regular Police, the Navy and NIMASA’s operatives in order to secure Nigerian ports.
“Government must harmonise these things; in harmonising them, government will optimise equipment, train them; they will now have national orientation and know that they are working for one country and not for their bosses, their companies or organisations.
“You will also conserve funds and you will have orderliness,’’ he said.
Akinsoji also advised the Federal Government to engage retired naval officers as security men on ships to ensure their safety.
He said that the combination of retired naval officers and other security agencies at the ports would be akin to Nigeria’s Coast Guard to reduce security problems on the nation’s waters.
“Those that are in the marines will now form an organisation that will be called Coast Guard.
“They will have knowledge of Customs; they will have knowledge of Immigration; they will have enough knowledge of how to deal with all maritime matters,” he added.
The maritime expert said that the proposed Piracy Bill to be sent to the National Assembly would mark the beginning of the development of the sector in the country.