NIMASA DG moves to curb piracy with patrol boats

Security of life within the nations territorial waters may soon improve as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),   Mr    Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi, took charge of five operational boats, and pledged to deploy them  immediately.The Director-General made the pledge at the NIMASAs Regional Rescue Coordination Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, saying that the boats, which the agency received from the Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, would  patrol the Lagos waters, while further efforts were in top gear to adopt measures that would also ensure that all other marine areas were also covered.All other areas are also important, but the five boats will begin operations  in the Lagos territorial waters, while efforts are in place to cover other areas, he explained, stressing that it was his intention to frontally confront the issue of piracy, sea robbery and other criminal activities,  beginning with the Lagos territorial waters.Shedding light on the interrelationship between the Nigeria navy and the NIMASA officials who would ensure the effectiveness and success of boats operation, the Director- General said he had a good  working relationship with the Navy and lauded the management of the boats supplier, disclosing that the boats were supplied at no extra cost.The boats were given to us for free, at no cost by the Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, he remarked further, assuring industry stakeholders that when the five boats were deployed,  would  ensure a surge in the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry.
Click here to read full news..