The Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) has unveiled plans to develop a unified and more affordable security framework for the maritime sector, a move the association says is necessary to reduce operational costs and improve collaboration with key government agencies responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s waters.
Speaking after the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in Lagos, MASPAN President, Emmanuel Maiguwa, explained that the association’s 52 corporate members were increasingly concerned that fragmented, individual security solutions were inflating the cost of shipping and eroding Nigeria’s competitiveness in the Gulf of Guinea.
He said MASPAN would now focus on block security solutions, deepened inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-driven operations rather than maintaining isolated and costly systems.
Maiguwa emphasised that maritime security can only be effective when operators work closely with statutory agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, NPA, Immigration, Customs, NDLEA and the Police, noting that these partnerships must not come at the expense of industry players.
He revealed that the Nigerian Navy has been particularly receptive, engaging MASPAN to ensure its members align with regulations and maintain global best practices.
He stated that one of the strongest concerns raised during the AGM was the escalating cost of providing escort and physical security services for vessels.
According to Maiguwa, if providers fail to reduce their costs, ship owners will inevitably pass those expenses on to consumers, ultimately affecting trade and weakening Nigeria’s competitiveness.
He said MASPAN will intensify engagement with relevant government agencies to harmonise processes and eliminate duplicated charges that continue to burden the sector.
Maiguwa also disclosed that MASPAN will launch a comprehensive corporate social responsibility programme in 2026, designed to support maritime security institutions and communities.
He said the association will simultaneously scale up its capacity-building initiatives, focusing on emerging and persistent threats such as drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking, piracy, sea robbery, stowaway incidents, cybercrime and the growing demand for advanced surveillance technology.
He noted that the intention is not only to build the competence of MASPAN members but also to strengthen the capabilities of the agencies they work with, ensuring a more secure and efficient maritime domain for the country.
