LAGOS/Nigeria: Former President of the African Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ASAN), Mr. Temisan Omatseye, has emphasized the necessity of implementing the Deep Blue Project as the primary security framework for anchorage areas within Nigeria’s maritime domain. Omatseye conveyed this stance during the inaugural Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) annual lecture held in Lagos, where he discussed the significance of anchorage areas as suitable points for ship anchoring.
At the heart of the discussion, themed ‘Maritime Security: Emerging Threats and Actionable Steps,’ Omatseye stressed that integrating the Deep Blue Project into anchorage security measures could significantly reduce the shipping cost of imported goods. He highlighted the current practice wherein foreign shipping companies expend $50,000 per vessel for security patrol boats at the anchorage, consequently inflating the cost of imported goods.
Addressing the audience, Omatseye articulated that the Deep Blue Project could render similar security services either free of charge or at substantially subsidized rates. He pointed out the accusations levied against the former operator, Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd. (OMSL), regarding the alleged extortion of shipping companies, underscoring the necessity to depoliticize Nigeria’s shipping industry.
“There existed a security gap, leading to the emergence of OMSL and the creation of the Secured Anchorage Area (SAA) as a waterway car park,” Omatseye remarked. He highlighted the joint venture forged with the Navy and the Nigerian Ports Authority by OMSL, underscoring the need for the government to offer a viable alternative should the SAA be discontinued.
Moreover, Omatseye advocated for the establishment of a Response Zone Transit Corridor to monitor vessels within Nigeria’s maritime territory, accentuating the benefits such a secured anchorage would bring, including increased trade at Nigerian ports, revenue generation, and its complementarity to the Deep Blue project.
Supporting Omatseye’s propositions, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, President of the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria, underscored the urgency of appointing a competent agency to oversee anchorage operations. Maiguwa emphasized the necessity for a robust framework to combat maritime security threats, expressing reservations about the proposed coast guard framework, which he deemed inadequate.
Maiguwa advocated for a comprehensive risk assessment strategy, suggesting that Nigeria should adopt the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. He critiqued the ISPS for offering minimal requirements and emphasized the need for a holistic approach to tackle terrorism threats in maritime spaces.
The Deep Blue Project, also known as the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, spearheaded by the Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Security Agency, remains a focal point in discussions surrounding Nigeria’s maritime security enhancement.
