The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Port Facility Security Officers Forum of Nigeria (PFSOFN) are working together to create a National Maritime Security Strategy aimed at improving the safety of Nigeria’s ports and territorial waters.
This was revealed during a one-day Maritime Security Conference hosted by NIMASA, which also serves as Nigeria’s Designated Authority for enforcing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Terry Ajobena, a Lead Recognised Security Organisation (RSO), emphasised that maritime security is a key part of national security. He explained that Nigeria’s waters and ports are crucial for the economy, especially given the country’s heavy reliance on maritime trade and the oil and gas sector.
Ajobena noted that the recently established Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is a positive step towards tapping into the vast potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector. However, he warned that rising threats such as piracy, armed robbery and terrorism could prevent the country from fully benefiting from this sector.
He also highlighted the environmental risks tied to maritime insecurity, such as oil spills and pollution, which can severely affect coastal communities and the wider economy.
According to Ajobena, maritime trade makes up nearly 68% of Nigeria’s GDP, with most international goods passing through the ports making security a top priority for economic and national stability.