TAAM 0.4: SIFAX Group Advocates Adequate Funding For Maritime Security

The Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has called on the federal government to provide adequate funding for maritime security ,as part of efforts to fortify the nation’s coast.

Dr. Afolabi who made the plea at the “Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference 4.0 at the University of Lagos on Friday, noted that the maritime sector can only grow when adequate security measures are put in place.

The SIFAX Group boss ,lamented that there are being various attacks in ships at the terminals by men of the underworld ,which in turn has led to the shipping lines introduction of war risk surcharge on consignment heading to Nigeria.

He also appealed to the government in ensuring innovative reforms and policies that could boost the sector potentials.

According to him, attacks on ships either at berth, anchorage or off the nation’s territorial waters can effectively be tackled by the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

While harping on the need for maritime stakeholders to work in harmony, Dr . Afolabi called on operators to come up with innovative solutions that would sustain the growth of the industry.

Speaking further, he reiterated that” Surely, we do not lack innovations due to the constant engagements and collaboration between the operators and the regulatory agencies in the sector.

“We have loads of reforms that can create sustainable growth in the Maritime Sector. All I want to urge is that a strong implementation and feedback mechanism should be put in place and those who have initiated a reform process should be allowed to see it through to the end ,” he told the gathering.

He however, commended the organisers of the event, UNILAG Maritime Forum for their steadfastness and diligence demonstrated in the sustainability of each of the year’s edition of the forum.

The theme of the TAAM 4.0 tagged ” Innovations and Practical Reforms Towards Sustainable Growth in the Maritime Sector”

“I am particularly happy about this year’s topic” Innovations and Practical Reforms Towards Sustainable Growth in the Maritime Sector “. With IRS huge potentials, because the Nigerian maritime Industry cannot afford to be static or retrogressive .

” I will therefore like to appeal to the federal government and its relevant agencies to further fortify the nation’s coastal areas and maritime boundaries against maritime crime.

“I will not fail to give kudos to NIMASA and other agencies for getting the presidency to assent to the anti – piracy bill recently . It should not just end here alone, there should be a campaign for more funding for maritime security.