Its National Chairman, Ignatius Uche, who made the disclosure at the association’s 2021 Conference, themed
“Shaping the future of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea” in Asaba, regretted that the economic sabotage was fast threatening the economies and security of the member-states.
He added that the security challenges had impacted negatively on ports operations in Nigeria.
Represented by the National Vice Chairman and Chairman of Niger Delta Maritime Security Area, Mrs. Gloria Ayika, the PFSOFN boss said firm action was needed to contain the disturbing development.
Uche stressed that acts akin to negligence and undermining of extant regulations for criminality to thrive must be vigorously fought.
Amid the problems in the region, he observed that ports facility security officers were making deliberate efforts to improve services.
To achieve result, the chairman urged collaboration, hence the gathering to share intelligence geared at mitigating the crisis in the zone.
Regarding performance, Uche said PFSOFN had arrested and handed over some stowaways to the relevant security agencies for prosecution.
On his part, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, represented by the Assistant Director of International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code Implementation Unit, Gloria Anyasodo, pointed out that GoG had enormous potential with great maritime business opportunities.
He encouraged the ports security officers to put in their best in curbing maritime crimes in the face of the rising attacks on the high seas, adding that the agency had prosecuted over 20 criminals.
Bashir stated that NIMASA had carried out its mandate in line with international best standards, besides introducing several proactive efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s waterways.
Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, observed that security challenges were not peculiar to the maritime sector, adding that the entire globe was battling with the phenomena both on land and sea.
The IGP, who was represented by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ari Mohammed Ali, said businesses could not thrive in an environment lacking security.
To address the issue successfully, Baba called for synergy among security agencies.
He reiterated that the parley was aimed at achieving safer waterways for the GoG states.
