By: Joy Enamuna

Concerned about the increasing incidence of drug and human trafficking via the seas, which threatens the safety and security of the shipping industry, two key maritime industry stakeholders, the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO), are organizing a one-day conference to address this issue and explore more effective strategies for tackling the challenge within the maritime sector.

The conference, themed “Drug and Human Smuggling/Trafficking: The Evolving Maritime Security Threats to Ships and Seafarers,” will bring together prominent figures in the marine and blue economy sectors to combat this menace.

Key attendees expected at this significant event include the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, who will chair the event. Other notable figures include the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), General Buba Marwa; the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; the President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Alhaji Aminu Umar; the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others.

Co-Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Mr. Agassi Peter Jonathan, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent it from adversely affecting the development of blue economies. He stated, “The recent rise in drug and human smuggling/trafficking through the seas jeopardizes the safety and security of the shipping industry, which is vital for global trade. It adds burdens to shipping companies and seafarers, which are key to the development of shipping, marine, and blue economy.”

The MASPAN-AMANO 2024 Conference aims to gather over 300 stakeholders, including shipowners, ship operators, seafarers, policymakers, and regulatory agencies such as NIMASA, Nigeria Customs Service, NPA, NDLEA, NAPTIP, and the Nigerian Navy. The goal is to deliberate objectively on the theme and arrive at a sustainable solution that will resonate within the industry.

The keynote address will be delivered by internationally renowned shipping expert Capt. Suresh Prabhakar, based in Hong Kong.