MARITIME SECURITY: NIMASA, POLICE, FORM ALLIANCE.

By Innocent Osuoha.

Discussions are on top gear between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) and Nigerian Police on how to tackle maritime crimes and enhance security at Nigerian Ports.

The security synergy was part of the high points discussed when the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of Maritime, AIG Chinedu Okoh led a high powered delegation on a courtesy call on the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola in his office.

The forum touched on collaborative engagements aimed at strengthening Maritime security architecture, how to enhance Port efficiency as well as improve inter- agency cooperation within Nigerian’s Maritime domain.

Speaking, AIG Chinedu Okoh who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police(Western) Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, emphasized the strategic importance of a unified security frame work in safeguarding Nigerian’s coastal waters, Port facilities and critical maritime assets.

AIG Okoh, a former PPRO in Imo State, commended NIMASA for its continued efforts in maritime safety regulations, capacity development and the Deep Blue project noting that sustainable cooperation between law enforcement and maritime regulators remained essential for safe and efficient maritime operations.

Contributing, CP Toyin Agbaminoja reaffirmed the commitment of the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command to providing robust security support across the nation’s Port corridors including Apapa Port, TinCan Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal and the Command’s marine unit responsible for patrols up to 12 nautical miles from the Ports..

CP Toyin expressed readiness to deepen operational synergy with NIMASA to curb maritime crimes, facilitate trade as well as guarantee the security of vessels, cargo and Port users.

While thanking them for the visit, the DG NIMASA, Dr Mobereola expressed his Agency’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in the areas of intelligence sharing intelligence, Joint operations, capacity building and Maritime domain awareness.

He stressed that efficient maritime security is fundamental to Nigeria’s economic stability, port competitiveness and global reputation.

At the end of the discussion both parties agreed on the need for continuous engagement, operational synchronization and strategic partnership to bolster national maritime security and enhance service delivery across the Maritime sector.