In continuation of the quest to enhance security across the various states in the country, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) has organised a One-day Sensitisation Workshop with security Agencies in Cross Rivers State. NIMASA also donated security equipment to the state in order to aid the fight against criminality. The Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR who spoke during the interactive session, underscored the importance of security in the operations of the maritime sector, citing the fact that insecurity in the sector is initiated, planned on land before execution in the maritime domain. He explained that this is the reason the Agency is poised to tackle it by collaborating with relevant security agencies across the country.
The DG who was represented by the Head of Procurement, Mr. Danjuma Babah stated that there is the need for the interactive session in order to foster synergy among the various security agencies in the state, as this will help combat all forms of criminality in an organised manner. “The maritime sector is the gateway to economic prosperity in the country, more so as the Federal Government is looking towards diversification through the Blue Economy mantra. Therefore, there is the need for the various security agencies to collaborate with one another to ensure the safety and security of the sector is guaranteed; as this will encourage more investment in the sector”, the DG said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Mr. Ayim Princewill expressed appreciation for the gesture by the Agency, in bringing together various security agencies to brainstorm on tackling challenges associated with security in the state. He also used the opportunity to commend the Agency for consistently using its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in strengthening the capacity of CR-SEMA as an Agency. “The Cross River State Government is elated at NIMASA’s contribution to saving lives, properties and curbing insecurity in the State. Responding to emergencies has different approaches, but the primary objective is saving lives and property, which is the objective of every security agency represented in the forum”, Ayim said. On his part, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command – Rear Admiral J.O. Ibrahim represented by Captain M.W Gana commended NIMASA for the initiative. He emphasised that measures should be in place to avert natural disasters and that responses should be intelligence-driven.
Participants at the workshop were drawn from the Nigerian Navy; Nigerian Police Force; Department of State Security; Nigerian Civil Defence; Federal Road Safety Corps; and the Cross River State Fire and Rescue Service where they all committed to working together in ensuring zero tolerance to insecurity in the state. The highpoint of the event was the Agency’s donation of security equipment including handcuffs, two-way radio system, Tasers, flashlights, batons, body scanners, vehicle search mirrors and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The equipment would go a long way to curb the menace of insecurity. Recall that the Agency under the leadership of Dr. Jamoh has consistently been involved in various CSR projects across the six geopolitical zones of the country through the provision of educational/instructional materials, hospital equipment, relief items and security equipment/sensitisation workshops. The aim is to assist the underprivileged, while also helping to augment efforts of the governments at the various levels: Local, State and the Federal Government.
