By Abbas Nazil
A National Maritime Security Strategy aimed at improving port security and safeguarding the country’s vast maritime domain may soon be crafted.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Port Facility Security Officers Forum of Nigeria (PFSOFN) are collaborating to craft it.
This collaboration emerged during a one-day Maritime Security Conference hosted by NIMASA, which also serves as the Designated Authority for implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in Nigeria.
Terry Ajobena, a Lead Recognized Security Organization (RSO), said during the conference that maritime security is an essential component of national security, as it involves the protection of Nigeria’s territorial waters, ports, shipping routes, and related maritime infrastructure.
He noted that Nigeria’s maritime domain, which holds a significant portion of the country’s oil and gas resources, is vulnerable to a range of security threats, including piracy, armed robbery, terrorism, and environmental risks.
Ajobena underscored the strategic importance of the maritime sector, stating that maritime trade contributes approximately 68 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the majority of the country’s international trade passing through its ports.
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As such, securing maritime assets is not only crucial for sustaining economic growth but also for preserving national security.
He warned that any disruptions in maritime security could have dire consequences for the country’s economy, environment, and the social fabric of coastal communities.
Ajobena addressed the environmental risks posed by maritime security breaches, such as oil spills and pollution, which can devastate marine ecosystems and negatively impact the livelihoods of local populations who depend on these environments for fishing and other economic activities.
The conference also spotlighted the growing relevance of the Blue Economy, a concept that encompasses the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic development, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health.
Nigeria recently institutionalized the Blue Economy through the establishment of a dedicated ministry to explore its potential.
However, Ajobena warned that without addressing the current security challenges in the maritime domain, the full benefits of the Blue Economy may remain unrealized.
In the light of these challenges and opportunities, stakeholders at the conference stressed the urgent need for a robust and comprehensive national strategy to address maritime threats and ensure the safety and sustainability of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The proposed strategy aims to unify efforts across relevant agencies and private sector actors to create a secure, resilient, and prosperous maritime environment for Nigeria.
