Expert Worries Over Heightened Cases Of Attack On Vessels Along Gulf Of Guinea

Immediate past National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Comrade Matthew Alalade has decried the incessant attack on vessels and crew along the Gulf of Guinea in the last six months , urging the federal government to re-strategise in finding lasting solution to the menace.

Alalade who spoke on Thursday in Lagos called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy to work in close synergy in addressing the insecurity challenges in the sub region.

He noted that security on the nation’s territorial waters has not changed from what it was in the past.

He attributed the high rate of unemployment in the country as a major factor on the negative implications to the maritime industry.

Alalade noted that:”I think on security issues, the management of NIMASA led by Dr. Jamoh needs wake up because on a weekly basis we get report from our members on how pirates and sea robbers attack ships and even kidnap crew on board.

“Just last week a FPSO vessel was attacked and up till now no reported cases of there release.

According to him, there are cases of unreported attacks on fishing trawlers within the territorial waters adding that kidnapping of crew onboard such ships are on the increase .

“I believe this menace is on the increase wityh the Gulf of Guinea. The Navy is responsibility for security in the region and such attack should been tracked by them in Swift response.

“Our worries is that the security level at sea has not changed from what it was in the past.

The ex-Merchant Navy union boss reiterated that the synergy between the zenith maritime regulatory agency and the blue Navy has not yielded the desired results in tackling issues bothering on security .

Speaking further, he called on the regulatory agency to provide more platforms for the Navy, in furtherance to patrol and police the waterways effectively.

By Roland Ekama