NIMASA, Navy collaboration key to secured shipping environment

The Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) says a collaboration between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Navy was key to a secured shipping environment.

The Chairman of MASPAN’s Board of Trustees, Rear Adm. Francis Akpan (Rtd.) disclosed this in a signed statement he issued on Monday, in Lagos.

Akpan disclosed that maritime experts from both private and public sectors will converge at the MASPAN 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) to proffer a holistic approach via partnership, to address the security constraints in the sector.

The event themed: “Maritime security efforts in Nigeria: government and private sector partnerships”, has been scheduled to hold on Oct. 14th in Lagos.

He stated that special guests of honour would include the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral A.Z Gambo, and the Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko.

“The event will provide an appropriate platform for NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to highlight and consolidate on the gains recorded in the area of maritime security in recent times.

“Also, in order to provide a safe and secure shipping environment, where seafarers will have confidence to sail onboard the nation’s waters, there must be an efficient collaborative effort between NIMASA, Navy and private stakeholders.

“And so, all maritime experts are invited to participate in the conference, especially those involved in Maritime Security,” he said.

He pointed out that the event would also be streamed on YouTube and Zoom to enable robust participation from industry stakeholders.

“MASPAN is a body of professionals in maritime security and its core objectives include; to promote the use of common and standardize industry practice; to promote the education and increase the knowledge and skills of its members in the field of maritime security.

“The body also generates and increases awareness of maritime security issues among individuals, communities, educational institutions, business and government.

“Others are; to provide communication to keep members abreast of current events in maritime security globally; promote awareness and understanding of maritime security.

“They also encourage professional development and foster unity and peace among members and to perform all other things necessary for or ancillary to the purpose and activities of the association,” he said.