FG to launch maritime security project in June — Amaechi

By Seun Ibiyemi

The Federal Government has disclosed plans to launch the Maritime Security Project in Lagos come June 2021.

The Minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi who made this known Monday, when the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, said the project will be launched by President Muhammadu Buhari, a statement by Anastasia Ogbonna, Deputy Director Press disclosed.

Amaechi noted that, “The crisis in the maritime sector is the maritime insecurity and its more complex than the world knows, but the Federal Government has come up with a solution and it is ready to take off. The Navy, Police, Army and State Security Service are involved.”

According to the Minister, if it is successful, in the near future there will be improvement in the Maritime security, then, the other countries in the Gulf of the Guinea can adopt it, adding that “75% or 65% of crime come  from our water and if we are able to eliminate it then we will be making a lot of progress.”

Speaking further, he expressed readiness to partner and share information with anyone who wants information for the purpose of securing the Gulf of the Guinea.

Earlier, the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand officially presented a letter to the Minister requesting for the support of the Nigerian government for the Belgium candidate for the position at the International Maritime Organization.

Bertrand also mentioned that they have observed with keen interest what is happening in the Gulf of Guinea and would like to be of assistance and give support to the implementation of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.