Stakeholders demand improved security in Nigeria’s maritime sector

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have demanded an intensification of safety measures to curb the high rate of marine accidents and casualties in the country’s maritime domain.

During the Energy and Maritime Reporters (EMR) 2024 Seminar and Awards held in Port Harcourt, these stakeholders called for more professional attention to safety at sea and other industry safety issues.

Dr. Charles Wami, a leading voice in maritime safety, led other major stakeholders from coastal states in emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

In light of alarming statistics revealing frequent marine accidents—most recently resulting in the tragic deaths of 25 individuals in boat mishaps—Wami called on regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to take immediate and decisive action.

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He highlighted that while these agencies play a crucial role in safeguarding lives on coastal and inland waters, their efforts must be bolstered to effectively address ongoing safety concerns.

Represented by Dr. Egben Okore, Wami also advocated for community engagement, stating that maritime professionals should lead public safety campaigns and donate life-saving equipment to improve conditions at jetties.

“As we gather here this morning, let us all be informed or reminded, as the case may be, that safety in Nigeria’s maritime sector continues to be a cause for concern,” he stated.

He pointed out, “The rate at which marine accidents and casualties occur on our coastal and inland waters is highly worrisome. One need only read the newspapers or browse the internet to understand the situation regarding marine casualties, especially along the inland waterways.

“Frequent accidents within and around Nigeria’s coastal areas are no longer news. The pressing issue now is how to find solutions, which is the crux of this Maritime Seminar, as succinctly captured in the sub-theme ‘Maritime Safety Concerns and Approaches.’

“Nigeria’s maritime safety concerns center on the many frequent accidents that take place in our coastal areas and waterways, rendering them unsafe.

“Nobody can say it has nothing to do with them. Even if you are not a practitioner, you may know someone who is, and especially if you live or work in the Niger Delta region, you may have had to use the coastal sea or waterways at some point.

“Maritime safety on Nigeria’s waters is not the sole responsibility of regulatory bodies, although they play a leading role in finding solutions to the myriad of marine casualties occurring in our coastal areas. I believe that NIMASA and NIWA, the two agencies tasked with safeguarding lives and property on Nigeria’s coastal waters and inland waterways, respectively, are doing a lot already, but more needs to be done.

“The causes of our maritime safety concerns are largely known. They have been identified through numerous research studies, including one conducted by myself to investigate the causes of the incessant boat mishaps in Nigeria’s coastal waters and to ascertain measures to prevent or at least minimize their occurrences.

“It is not my intention to prolong this discussion by delving into the causes of marine accidents in Nigeria or how they may be reduced or eliminated. The onus is now on the regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to leverage the findings of these research projects that have been undertaken in that area.”

He added, “There is much to be done to address the issues and stem the tide of casualties in coastal and inland waters in Nigeria. I urge NIMASA, NIWA, and other stakeholders to leave no stone unturned in boosting coastal and inland water safety and addressing the nation’s maritime safety concerns.

“We all have to play our part. Those of us in the maritime education and training subsector must ensure that those carrying our certificates can defend them in practice—no cutting corners. We can conduct maritime safety campaigns in various parts of the state and beyond, and we can do research to better understand how to address these issues, in collaboration with the state government and NIWA.”

Also speaking, industry expert Dr. James Babalola commended EMR for organizing the seminar aimed at enhancing maritime sector reporting in the Niger Delta region.

According to Babalola, the policy inconsistencies in the country, particularly in the maritime sector, are due to the absence of professionals in the appropriate roles. He called for strengthened regulatory frameworks and collaboration with stakeholders to prevent accidents.