DEMOCRACY DAY: SSASCFA Preaches Maritime Sector Unity , Resilience , Amid Heightened Insecurity
By Roland Ekama
Comrade Harrison Ugochukwu Asonye, President General of the Senior Staff Association of Shipping, Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (SSASCFA), has called on maritime stakeholders to embrace unity, peace and resilience despite the rising cases of insecurity in the country
Asonye issued a maritime-focused statement on Friday, June 12, 2026, offering reassurance to workers and stakeholders in the shipping and logistics industry amid escalating insecurity. Asonye framed the message around protecting maritime operations, ports, and supply chains that are vital to Nigeria’s economy.
The SSASCFA leader commended naval and port security agencies for efforts to secure harbours and coastal approaches while stressing that protecting maritime assets requires broader collaboration. He urged shipowners, terminal operators, and logistics firms to strengthen coordination with security agencies and participate actively in joint maritime safety initiatives.
Asonye warned that growing insecurity along coastal routes and inland transport corridors threatens vessel movements, cargo handling, and port efficiency, with immediate effects on import-export flows and freight costs.
He said disruptions at seaports and along hinterland corridors could ripple through manufacturing, retail, and commodity markets, harming both businesses and consumers.
To shield the maritime sector, the association recommended focused actions such as enhanced patrols in territorial waters, improved intelligence-sharing between ports and law enforcement, and investment in port-side surveillance technologies.
Asonye also urged harmonized security protocols across terminals and secure conveyance of high-value cargoes through the supply chain.
Highlighting seafarers’ , shipping line agencies and port workers’ safety, the president general called on employers to adopt stricter onboard and onshore safety measures, provide security awareness training, and ensure rapid response plans for incidents affecting crews or dockside staff. He stressed that protecting personnel is essential to maintaining continuity of operations.
The SSASCFA boss appealed to industry stakeholders to collaborate on contingency planning that minimizes operational downtime, including alternative routing, diversified port use, and stronger partnerships with inland logistics providers.
Asonye said these resilience measures would help maintain continuity when certain corridors or terminals face temporary shutdowns..
Addressing structural drivers of maritime insecurity, Asonye urged investment in coastal community development and job-creation programs to reduce recruitment by criminal networks that target ports and riverine areas.
He recommended vocational training for youths in maritime trades, fisheries, and port services as long-term preventative measures.
As a practical step, SSASCFA PG announced plans to roll out sector-specific outreach programmes , and safety workshops for workers.
The Trade Union Congress TUC affiliate group also intends to convene forums to share best practices on protecting cargo, vessels, and staff during periods of elevated risk.
Reiterating confidence in Nigeria’s maritime institutions, Asonye called for transparent governance and accountability at port authorities and regulatory bodies to restore investor confidence.
He urged timely reforms to streamline security-clearance processes and bolster oversight of private security providers operating in ports and terminals.
The president general further appealing to maritime stakeholders—shipowners, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and crew—to remain united and be proactive, stressing that coordinated industry action combined with government support can safeguard Nigeria’s trade lifelines.
Please kindly cross check before publishing