Collaboration - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Fri, 2024

Why Nigeria needs National Coast Guard—Minister

199 total views today

By Kingsley Okoye

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, says there is need to strengthen the collaboration between the ministry and the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding Nigerian maritime space as it is done in other climes.

Oyetola made this submission on Thursday in Abuja at the Senate public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Establishment Bill 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a bill to establish the Nigerian Coast Guard recently scaled second reading in the Senate.

The minister said it was important to give credit to the Nigerian Navy for its achievements in safeguarding the Nigerian maritime space and giving Nigeria a good image worldwide.

Oyetola said the collaborative effort between the ministry and its agency–the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the Deep Blue Project had shown great results with zero piracy in Nigeria territorial waters in the last three years.

“However, there is a need to further complement the efforts of our Navy as it is done in other climes.

“According to a 2009 publication by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, 15 out of the 21 independent maritime nations in sub-Saharan Africa have dedicated coast guards that identify themselves as such and none has our population and many of these countries do not have the length of our inland waterways or coastline.

“Also, a 2015 publication by the Institute for Security Studies of the National Defence College of Nigeria highlighted the impact of activities such as illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in the inland waters, coastal and marine fishing zone in sub-Saharan Africa.

“These illegal activities are estimated to cost the region approximately between 3 billion dollars to 5 billion dollars a year in lost revenue.

“The Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway development is a major game changer for the entire coastline of the country.

“The project is expected to unlock the regions blue economy potential– hotels, beach resorts, water parks, eco-parks, ferry services, hospitality industries, industrial parks and more are soon to spring up along the coastline.’’

The minister said that such an increase in economic activities would require a dedicated institution that would be responsible for ensuring maritime safety, search and rescue, environmental protection and the enforcement of civil maritime laws.

According to him, the spate of boat mishap within the nation’s inland waterways is also a strong justification for the need to strengthen our maritime safety and the enforcement of maritime laws and regulations in the inland waterways.

“This is necessary to boost maritime trade and trans-shipment in Nigeria.

“Also, considering Nigeria’s critical position in the maritime domain on the continent and globally, the establishment of a National Coast Guard will further increase our standing in the comity of maritime nations. This will no doubt attract foreign support and assistance.”

Oyetola said that the establishment of the Coast Guard was aimed at maritime safety–by establishing clear protocols, enforcing safety regulations, and overseeing navigation routes in our inland waterways.

He said the Coast Guard would play a critical role in safeguarding lives, property and trade within Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.

The minister said that the Coast Guard would respond rapidly to maritime emergencies, conducting timely and efficient search and rescue operations.

“The Coast Guard will actively work in collaboration with other relevant government agencies to prevent pollution and enforce environmental regulations within Nigeria’s waters.

“Through initiatives focused on conservation and the protection of marine ecosystems, the Coast Guard will support Nigeria’s commitment to environmental stewardship, safeguarding marine biodiversity for future generations.

“Enforcement of Civil Maritime Laws–tasked with upholding laws that govern civil maritime activities, the Coast Guard will enforce fishing laws and regulations, conventions on pollution and other civil maritime offences.

“This function will support sustainable resource management, protect Nigeria’s waters from illegal exploitation and align with international best practices for civil maritime governance.’’

He also spoke on inter-agency collaboration with military/paramilitary agencies

According to him, the ministry is cognisant of the traditional but important roles being played, especially by the Nigerian Navy and the armed forces to protect our waterways and maritime assets through their operations.

He said that the National Coast Guard would ensure effective collaboration with other military and paramilitary agencies.

“To this end, we advocate the setting up of effective and coordinated machinery for seamless collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other armed forces, as well as key agencies in the country, to further enhance the protection of our maritime resources.

“This will include technology and resource sharing, joint maritime exercises, missions and training to enhance maritime safety and foster cooperation.’’

Oyetola urged the Senate and the National Assembly to lend their full support to the bill.

He said that the Nigerian Coast Guard would act as a vital complement to the Navy, fostering a safe and sustainable maritime environment that was aligned with international best practices.

According to him, the initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, protect Nigeria’s natural resources and ensure prosperity for future generations.

“A flexible, adaptive implementation strategy should be evolved to midwife its establishment.

“We also encourage those with reservations to see the pressing need for this institution and rally in support of this historic endeavour,’’ he said.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Tue, 2024

Defence/Security

NEMA advocates collaboration on emergency management

148 total views today

By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for greater commitment and effective collaboration on emergency management to enhance disaster response capabilities in the country.

The Director-General of the agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said this on Monday in Abuja at a training workshop aimed at encouraging partners in crisis to organise better emergency responses during sudden and complex emergencies.

The training organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in coordination with NEMA had the title, ‘Mass Casualty and Public Health Emergency Management Component’.

She acknowledged the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, saying that both natural and human-induced disasters resulted in significant human and economic losses.

She added that the training aims to identify gaps in current emergency response systems and equip participants with tools that will aid them in addressing gaps during emergencies.

Umar highlighted the importance of proactive preparation, inter-agency collaboration, and the role of technology in improving disaster management.

“Disasters, whether natural or human-induced, often result in loss of lives, human displacement, and long-term physical and emotional trauma to family units and communities.

“They place a heavy financial burden on government at all levels, often stretching the already limited resources, public health emergencies which frequently follow these catastrophic events further complicate the situation,” she said.

She quoted a renowned philosopher, Steve Cyrus, as saying, “When disaster strikes the time to prepare has passed.

“This statement underscores the fundamental truth that proactive preparation is the cornerstone of effective crisis management.

“This training is, therefore, timely and apt. It comes at a moment when our collective ability to respond to disasters and restore normalcy is put to test in various disaster hotspots across Nigeria,” she said.

The National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu, said that the training marked a significant step towards enhancing crisis management capabilities in the country.

Ribadu, who was represented by Maj.- Gen. Adamu Laka, commended the foresight of the organisers and emphasised the training’s alignment with national security objectives.

He highlighted the importance of topics such as trauma management and crisis doctrines, saying they are crucial in today’s security landscape.

“The training promises hands-on exercises, ensuring participants can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios,” he said.

Mr Lawrence Devlin, Head of Counter Terrorism Netlink for West Africa, said that as experts from the Joint Counterterrorism Training and Advisory Team prepared to guide participants through practical scenarios, added that the UK is committed to Nigeria’s security through shared experiences and strategic partnerships.

Devlin, who also represented the British High Commission, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative effort to combat terrorism and address gender-based violence during the 16 days of activism.

“I understand that today is the start of a series of practical scenarios being held this week as part of the Rapid Response exercise.

“As the UK, we are here to observe, to listen, and to share our experiences from similar exercises and real events in the UK.

“By observing the training this week, we’re seeking to build our understanding of how your agencies work together to keep the Nigerian population safe.

“Our engagement this week is part of our commitment to partner with Nigeria. On his recent visit to Nigeria, our foreign secretary was delighted to sign a strategic partnership between our two nations.

“A partnership which recognises the deep historical ties, strong people-to-people links, and our shared interests across regional and international peace and security,” he said.

On counter-terrorism, Devlin said that we’ve committed to supporting Nigeria in crisis management, aviation and maritime security, and others.

“Today is part of our commitment to crisis management.

“Crucially, it offers us a chance to learn from you and to share our lessons and experiences with you.

“We’ve supported similar exercises elsewhere in the region, notably Ghana, and our team of experts will draw on their experience this week to guide you in your efforts.

On her part, Ms Patience Omokri, the Head of Medical Intelligence at the Office of the National Security Adviser, said that the event, part of the Exercise Rapid Response scheduled for November 28, 2020, aims to bolster preparedness for crisis scenarios.

She added that the training seeks to equip attendees with essential skills to manage emergencies effectively.

She encouraged participants to engage actively and collaborate for a comprehensive learning experience. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Sat, 2024

Defence/Security

Curbing corruption requires capacity, collaboration of all – EFCC Chairman

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekum Olukayode, has underscored the need for collaboration and capacity building of security agencies to tackle corruption.

Olukayode said this during the graduation of the Executive Leadership and Strategic Management Course, Batch 5/2024, of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), on Friday in Abuja.

Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Mohammad Hamman-Joda, the EFCC boss emphasised the importance of training senior managers in security agencies as key to curbing corruption in the country.

He reiterated the commitment of the commission to continue to train to be ahead of the criminals, who are always trying to advance.
According to him, there are a lot of innovations in terms of crime, particularly crypto-currency.

“So, we have to up our game to catch them, if not, we will be left behind.
“We have trained a total of 100 participants from the EFCC, along with other participants from sister security agencies, Department of State Security, DSS, Defense Intelligence Agency, DIA and Nigerian Army amongst others,” he said.

Olukayode said that the training was conducted in five batches, with participants drawn from senior and middle cadres of the commission.

He expressed the hope that the knowledge gained would impact positively on operations of the EFCC while appreciating NARC for the wealth of experience they shared.

“We look forward to more collaboration in the future,” he said.

The EFCC boss expressed condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army and Nigerians on the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, said the course was designed to bring participants from the security architecture together to understand themselves and the challenges ahead.

Wahab said the training would also enhance the level of collaboration and cooperation between the security agencies saddled with the responsibility of fighting corruption for better performance.

According to him, the solution to Nigeria’s problems lies with them, and the solutions must come from them.

“Joint training is the way forward, so that everybody will know their strengths and weaknesses and understand each other.

“Somewhere along the line, it is not possible for one agency to solve the security situation they are facing, not only in Nigeria, anywhere in the world.

“Above all, reach across boundaries and borders to make friends, socialise, network and that is one of the challenges it brings to the participants,” Wahab said. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Yakubu Uba

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Sun, 2024

Foreign

ECOWAS President urges Member States to expedite action on Africa gas project

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By Mark Longyen

)Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, has called on Member States to collaborate and expedite action toward ensuring that the African-Atlantic gas project(AAGP) becomes a reality.

Touray made the plea at a joint meeting of the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) Ministers of Hydrocarbons and Energy, with Morocco and Mauritania participating, on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the energy ministers’ meeting was to deliberate on AAGP’s institutional agreements to facilitate regional access to natural gas and expansion across global markets

It is a 6,800km gas pipeline network within the ECOWAS subregion, 5,100 kilometres offshore from Nigeria to Morocco, passing through the coastal countries to Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

The president , who was represented by Mr Sediko Douka, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation, said the project had already reached a critical stage of its implementation.

He said the main objective of the meeting was to provide an update on the overall progress of the project, and present to them the latest versions of the community texts.

“We have reached a critical phase in the development of this project, and it is essential for all parties to urgently collaborate and ensure that it becomes a reality.

“This project is of vital importance for our region, as increased access to natural gas will not only boost our electricity production/generation capacity, but will also drive economic, industrial, and agricultural growth across the region.

“As a transitional energy source, abundant natural gas usage in the region will support our countries in contributing to global climate change efforts, advancing clean and sustainable mobility, and promoting the use of clean cooking solutions,” he said.

Touray also urged member states to boost renewable energy, saying it was essential to develop strategies, initiatives, action plans, and regulatory frameworks to increase its share in the subregion’s energy mix.

“Currently, the use of renewable energy in our region is marginal, apart from hydroelectric sources, which themselves are underutilised, that is, only at 20 per cent.

“For us, the main challenges facing the ECOWAS region are the shortage of energy production capacity and the need to cover energy demand, as well as access issues.

“This Forum therefore provides an opportunity to take measures to strengthen our regional structures in the energy sector, each of which is experiencing its challenges,” the president said.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Expo, said that the proposed African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) when operational will bolster Africa’s energy security and unlock new markets.

According to him, linking Nigeria’s natural gas reserves to North Africa and Europe would expand opportunities for economic growth, job creation, industrialisation, and benefiting communities across the linkage countries.

He described the AAGP as a crucial step toward achieving the vision of an integrated hydrocarbon and energy infrastructure within Africa and a reflection of ECOWAS’ strategic vision for a connected and economically vibrant pipeline network.

“The draft agreement is therefore an affirmation of our commitment to enhance trade within ECOWAS and other African countries, facilitating natural gas access across the region, and expansion in global gas markets,” he said.

NAN reports that AAGP is the outcome of the merging of West African Gas Pipeline Extension Project (WAGPEP) and Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project (NMGP) into a single gas power plant project.

The merger was approved by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at their 63rd Ordinary Session on July 9, 2023. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

isaac aregbesola
Oct, Wed, 2024

Defence/Security

Nigeria seeks regional action against illicit arms, IED threats

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government has advocated stronger regional efforts to counter the threats posed by the proliferation of small arms and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the West Africa sub-region.

This call was made at the opening of the ECOWAS Coordination Meeting of National Commissions on Small Arms on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Director-General, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, who is the representative of Nigeria at the meeting made the call.

The theme of the meeting is, “Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, Promoting Administration and Management of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Regulating Craft Weapons Production in the ECOWAS Region”.

Kokumo said that the challenge of small arms proliferation and IEDs threats transcended individual borders and therefore demands a robust and unified response.

He commended the ECOWAS for its relentless dedication to regional peace and security, and reiterated the willingness of the federal government to work with its brothers and sisters in the region.

“This coordination meeting therefore provides a unique platform to further consolidate our strategies, align our goals and ensure that our national actions contribute meaningfully to regional stability.

“The threats posed by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, the rising misuse of improvised explosive devices presents us with a unique and urgent call to action.

“Our collective work here reflects a fundamental truth, that is, no one nation can tackle these complex challenges alone.

“Together, through concerted action and commitment, we can make our communities safer, our borders more secure and our region a beacon of peace and resilience,” he said.

Kokumo said Nigeria had consistently demonstrated its resolve to continue to counter the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

He said that the assent to the NCCSALW Act 2024 by President Bola Tinubu had empowered the centre to serve as Nigeria’s primary agency in SALW control in the country.

According to him, this new Act aligns the National Centre with Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW as well as the UN Programme of Action to combat illicit arms trade.

He said the act had also empowered the centre to develop more robust and sustainable strategies for arms control and reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its international and regional obligations.

According to him, NCCSALW has destroyed thousands of illicit arms, spearheaded training programmes for weapons marking and embarked on advocacy and sensitisation efforts.

“These efforts have been strengthened by a rigorous partnership with civil society, security agencies and state governments to enhance arms control and accountability.

“Earlier this month, over 2,400 illegal weapons were destroyed while we have also facilitated enhanced training to better address issues related to improvised explosive devices,’’ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Philip Daniel Yatai
Oct, Fri, 2024

Defence/Security

FRSC seeks stakeholders’ collaboration for effective nationwide traffic management

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for collaboration with stakeholders on effective traffic management to reduce road crashes and promote safety on Nigerian roads.

Speaking to newsmen after the inauguration of a National Road Safety Advisory Council (NARSAC) at the Presidential villa, on Friday in Abuja, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed emphasised the need for collective action.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NARSAC includes six governors, key ministers, and other stakeholders, with a focus on reducing road fatalities across the country.

Mohammed said that the corps had embarked on campaigns in motor parks and public places to promote a safe driving culture across the country.

He said that there was a need for commuters and transport unions to partner in preventing road crashes and ensuring safer travels at all cost.

According to him, road crashes have declined, but the numbers remain unacceptably high; therefore, commuters and transport unions must redouble their awareness and prevention initiatives.

“Commuters must not be quiet when any driver is endangering their lives by violating traffic rules and regulations.

“If you see something, say something. Passengers can do much in reducing road crashes and save lives but what we discover is that more often than not, passengers keep quiet.

“If you are in a bus or in a car and the driver is speeding, you owe it as a duty to raise your voice; but what we see is the opposite, passengers do not talk.

“At times, other passengers will even silence the one raising the alarm. This is unfortunate, life has no duplicate. We should all be proactive in ensuring that we mitigate road crashes.

“Attitudinal change is also crucial for road safety. Transport unions must lead by example in preventing overloading and alcohol-impaired driving,”he maintained.

The FRSC boss said that road crashes had been gradually and steadily declining in the last one month adding that the corps would continually sensitise the motoring public on the proper use of the highways to reduce crashes.

“Although we’re seeing a steady decline, road crashes and victim numbers remain unacceptably high.”

“There is still much more work to be done in terms of awareness, sensitisation and infrastructure to help in ensuring mitigation of this menace called traffic crashes on our roads.

“We will continually visit motor parks to dissuade drivers from taking alcohol or any substance capable of affecting their moods and psyches.

“We will also go to the grassroots to engage the traditional rulers and community leaders on ways to educate their people on measures to take to avoid road crashes,”he said.

The corps marshal urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to adhere to traffic rules, avoid overloading, and refrain from using phones while driving and other factors bedevilling road safety in the country.

Speaking on the newly inaugurated council, Mohammed believed that the NARSAC marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s road safety management, paving the way for the swift implementation of the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS).

The FRSC boss, who is the secretary of the advisory council described the strategy as the country’s answer to the global call for safer roads, aiming to reduce the alarming number of road crashes and fatalities in Nigeria.

“In essence, the NARSAC establishment is a crucial step towards achieving the NRSS’s objectives, which include improving road design standards, enhancing non-motorised transport initiatives, and strengthening road safety frameworks.

“With the council’s guidance, FRSC can move closer to realising its vision and mission of safer roads and reduced fatalities across the country,”he said.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza