Nweke harps on security sensitivity for safety navigation 

A frontline freight forwarder and Head, Research at Sea Empowerment Research Center Limited, Dr. Eugene Nweke had said Nigeria needs security sensitivity for safe navigation.

He made this known in his position paper on the Matter of Senate Investigative Public Hearing on Secure Anchorage Area where he stated that in the shipping  world, sensitivity to safety and security is the focal point of every country as international trade and terrorism are now borderless and commonplace.

“Nigeria has a duty to join the global moves to set up new rules and regulations for controlling goods and vessel moving in and out of its international frontiers”.

“To evolve and migrate new regulations, it entails that, those participating should join the government to review, revamp and reinforce the prevailing arrangement on each mode and link involve in cargo movements, “he said.

He explained that not doing so means an open invitation to a possible security disruption and its adverse consequences thereof.

According to him,  “this is the background upon which the Nigeria Navy took a giant stride by creating a Secure Anchorage Area under a joint venture arrangement (Business Partnership) along our international waterfront”.

Nweke pointed out that this could be expanded upon instead of being dismantled, as being canvassed in some quarters.

On international trade and security supply chain architecture, he noted that the concept of total supply chain security entails all stakeholders in the supply chain takes full responsibility in securing their leg in the chain link so as to secure the flow of supply.

“It also provides that securing the supply chain starts with safe and secured packaging of traded goods”. “Then institute a deterrent measure that will trigger an alert in case of tampering with the goods while sailing or moving from the point of packing to the final point of discharge, “he said.

Nweke buttressed further that economic well-being of Nigeria is highly dependent on trading activities, and hinting that disruption to the fluidity of the supply chain will have adverse economic effects  on the masses.

“It is not overstatement to reinstate that with our strategic location in the continent, we have the potential to galvanise and institute an excellent network of connectivity thereby becoming a global logistics hub and supply chain management nerve centre in the African continent, especially in the face of high population and trade volume, “Nweke said.

He outlined the benefits the nation would enjoy to include: protection from the devastating consequences of the supply chain disruption, business interests  guarantee as a result of series of collateral benefits like reduced shipment theft and loses.

Others are better inventory management, increased employee commitment, increased communication between business partners, faster throughputs, customer recognition and loyalty, global recognition for reliability and dependability.

On Nigeria Navy, he said: “the Nigeria Navy understanding the peculiarities of our international water way which impedes and robs us of this benefits, took a bold step as a critical player in the security supply chain, to create a “Secure Anchorage Area” for vessels desiring an added Secured Navigational services, along our economic free zone (200 nautical miles), especially against piracy and terrorism threats to ship and crew”.

He posited that it is the duty of the government to ensure that resources are directed to where they are mostly needed for effective performance.

Nweke enjoined the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) to continue its partnership with the Nigeria Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service  towards evolving a National Secured Trade & Logistics Programme.

“The essence of this National Secure Supply Chain Management is to share responsibility between the government and businesses, which is achievable through partnership and active participation”.

“The idea is that, for the concept of a total security supply chain to thrive evenly, there is the need to balance between the needs of security and commercial efficiency. The concept must be anchored on a risk based approach, “he said.

Nweke, however, maintained the Navy actually has the right of first refusal where the NPA insists on dismantling or reconcessioning the platform.

“It is on record, that, past NPA leaders applauded and commended the nature of this distinct efficient service provided by the Navy’s SAA, “he said