The Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) has congratulated the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian maritime community on the recent launching of the assets of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Project also known as the Deep Blue Project.
NMLA made this commendation via a press release signed by its President, Mrs. Funke Agbor, describing the security architecture as a laudable project.
The group stated that it is aware of the disturbing implications of continued security breaches on Nigerian waters, particularly with regards to reduced vessel calls, diversion of traffic to neighbouring jurisdictions, unlawful acts against ships and shipping, increased risk premium and general derogation of the country’s reputation as a maritime destination to mention a few.
Subsequently, NMLA posited that it trusts that the inauguration of the new security assets and their effective use will henceforth represent and induce a significant shift in the approach to maritime security, with more focus on prevention rather than cure and also effective rapid responses, to maritime crimes and incidents.
In addition, the Association notes the importance of a sustainable framework for the deployment, management and consolidation of the security assets, with stronger and more effective focus on clear SOPs and routine operational protocols, such as in the area of evidence gathering and cooperation amongst the maritime law enforcement agencies in area of prosecution and urges action by NIMASA and its partner agencies in this regard.
