NSC SEEKS NAVAL COOPERATION ON MARITIME SECURITY

Abiodun OBA

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has called on the Nigerian Navy to do more in ensuring a safer maritime environment to guarantee investments in the sector.

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello, who led a delegation to the Abuja headquarters of the Nigerian Navy called on the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas sought improved partnership between both organisations.

Bar. Hassan Bello observed that one of the major challenges in the maritime sector was security.

According to him, “We have received various complaints from the shipping companies, which have been forced to provide their own security to escort their vessels to the ports, especially the eastern ports.

“In spite of their efforts, between 2017 and 2018, there were 88 attacks in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Responding, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas revealed that the recent enhancement of the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance capability has led to the arrest of about 130 vessels for crimes perpetrated in the maritime sector and other activities between 2018 and February, 28, 2019.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, said, “Of course, in 2018, we arrested 40 vessels and have in custody over 150 persons, who we have handed over to the various prosecuting agencies.

According to him, “For last year alone and so far this year, we have over 130 vessels that were seized or arrested for maritime crime.”

He assured that the Nigerian Navy will provide adequate security in the maritime sector at all times.