|
The Flag Officer
Commander, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral
Ishaya Iko Ibrahim gave the assurance recently in Lagos at a joint
press conference addressed by the Nigerian Navy, National Maritime
Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA) and the Federal Ministry
of Agriculture.
The assurance is coming on the heels of the withdrawal of fishing
thrawler operators ( (both foreign and local) from the nation’s
waters following the unabated deadly attacks on them by sea pirates
and robbers.
“ Right now, detachments of the Nigerian Navy personnel backed up by
raider equipments are already patrolling the nation’s blue and muddy
waters frommthe West to the Eas.” Ishaya said adding that these
efforts are being complemented by NIMSA who has provided helicopters
and other back up logistics for effective policing of the nation
waters for the purpose of safety at sea as well as maritime
activities in general
While all these constitute immediate steps taken so far to ward off
pirates and robbers, the navy has equally empowered its intelligent
unit to enhance pro-active actions against sea pirates and robbers
These actions, he said, are imperative to prevent the degeneration
of the present situation to much more challenging problems.
According to him, presently, he said, it has been observed that the
fishing industry and market is lull while the allies industries are
closing down gradually. If things continue this way, more people may
be forced out of job because it would be impossible to keep idle
hands.
The situation may become precarious if workers have to join those on
the other side to make a living.
“ It is on this basis coupled with the security already in place
that we urge you to go back to the seas and continue your fishing
businesses.
Lending his voice to the call for the return of fishermen to the
seas, and the necessity for adequate security to be put in place,
the Direector-General of NIMASA Dr. Ade Dosunmu said that piracy is
a global phenomenon which Nigeria cannot ignore moreso that the
country has just been readmitted into the WTO. |
