By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Dr.Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has sought the collaboration of of judges, lawyers, and other relevant prosecuting agencies in the achievement of maritime security.
Jamoh made this known at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Admiralty Colloquium themed ‘Achieving maritime safety, security, and shipping development’.
The NIMASA boss explained in a statement on Monday that the agency had received judgment against 10 criminals, three of whom were foreign nationals and seven Nigerians.
According to the Punch, he said they were sentenced to seven-years jail term each for maritime offenses on Nigerian waters, also noting that by May, the agency was optimistic of another judgment.
Jamoh was optimistic that with the new collaboration with the judiciary through legal instruments put in place to prosecute criminals, more results would be achieved.
He said the theme of the colloquium was apt because with the Deep Blue project being introduced by the government, issues of maritime crimes on Nigerian territorial waters would be arrested.
Jamoh added that from next year, the scope of the colloquium would be expanded to include Justices of the Supreme Court.
Jamoh said, “We are happy to announce that the communiqué issued by the judges during the seminar held the previous year on the SPOMO ACT has already been presented to the National Assembly for necessary amendment as suggested by the judges.
“This signifies the first milestone and the progress of these particular judicial proceedings that connect with the maritime industry.”
