Nigeria strengthens security on territorial waters

Nigeria strengthens security on territorial waters
Obiora Ani, Abuja

Nigeria has begun the process of strengthening Maritime Security of her territorial waters.

Consequently, the country's Senate on Wednesday concluded debate on the Maritime Security Coordinating Agency Bill sponsored by the Executive.

The bill is to establish a Maritime Security Agency charged with the responsibility of providing security and safety information for the Nigerian Maritime Industry.

Proposing the motion for the passage of the bill, the Nigerian Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma Egba, said the legislation would help check financial losses in the maritime sector.

The bill when enacted will help to check poaching estimated to cost the nation about 800 Million dollars annually, Criminal and Piracy attacks, about nine Billion dollars, Bunkering, Mid sea cargo transshipment and Drug and Human trafficking.

Some of the lawmakers who spoke against the bill however, called for the strengthening of existing legislations on maritime security.

The bill has been referred to the committees on Marine Transport, Navy and National Security for final legislative action before its passage.

Williams