Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The United States and France embassies have confirmed their participation in the upcoming maritime summit focused on drug smuggling and human trafficking, organized by the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO).
Scheduled for August 22, 2024, at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event will be chaired by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Gboyega Oyetola, CON.
The summit will gather key stakeholders in the maritime industry to address the escalating issues of drug smuggling and human trafficking that are plaguing Nigeria’s ports.
During a press conference held at the Maritime Reporter’s Association of Nigeria (MARAN) secretariat, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, Chairman of the AMANO/MASPAN Planning Committee, highlighted the urgency of tackling these growing threats.
According to Maiguwa, the increasing frequency of large drug seizures on ships arriving at Nigerian ports, alongside persistent cases of stowaways, has prompted the need for decisive action.
“Ships have been detained for several months, and their crew members have endured long trials, often remaining away from their families for years due to drug smuggling charges.”
“At the end of this conference, we hope stakeholders will arrive at workable solutions and establish a working group to ensure the resolutions are implemented,” Maiguwa stated.
The summit will also focus on the challenges posed by human trafficking, particularly in Lagos ports. Maiguwa explained that stowaways not only cause delays for vessels but also impose a significant administrative burden on shipowners, especially when discovered after departure.
“The goal is to collaborate with critical agencies to reduce, if not eradicate, drug and human trafficking in the maritime domain. We aim to ensure that perpetrators are penalized while innocent parties are not unjustly burdened, allowing the industry to reach its full potential,” Maiguwa added.
The event has garnered the support of the National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which will participate in a panel discussion. International and local shipping companies, along with other key stakeholders, have also expressed keen interest in the summit.
Attendance at the summit is by invitation only, and organizers have encouraged interested parties to contact the Planning Committee to secure one of the few remaining seats.
