Hyacinth Chinweuba
Sexurity agencies including, Army, Navy and others are almost set to start using the $195m equipment acquired for securing Nigeria’s maritime space, the Federal Government announced on Wednesday.
According to the government, selected personnel from the security agencies are currently finalising their training on how to use the equipment, as well as on how to manage other security concerns on the Nigerian waters.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Sabiu Zakari, disclosed this in Abuja while playing host to a team from the Nigerian Shippers Council, Maersk Line and APM Terminal.
On May 23, 2019, the immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, announced that the Federal Government had taken delivery of two helicopters, 20 speed boats and other key equipment needed to secure Nigeria’s waterways.
In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari approved $195m for the purchase of security tools to secure Nigerian waters, as well as curb criminal activities in the maritime sector.
But the FMOT explained on Wednesday that the equipment had not been fully deployed yet for use, as officers who would man them were undergoing training.
However, in his response to requests made by the Vice President, Maersk Line, Mette Refshauge, on the issue of safety and security, the Permanent Secretary explained that the required personnel who would man the facilities would complete their training very shortly.
Zakari said, “The personnel are being trained and they include officers from the Navy, Army and other security agencies. They are being trained with the equipment and in a short period of time, the training will be completed.
“Also, most of the equipment is on the ground and the personnel are getting set to start using the facilities.
This, of course, will reduce the insurance premiums on ships and cargo as our maritime environment will be well secured.
The Executive Secretary, NSC, Hassan Bello, who led the team to the FMOT, appreciated the government for working to keep the maritime sector safe and urged operators in the industry to go about their business without fear.