Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In response to the increasing challenges of drug and human trafficking through the seas, two pivotal organizations in the maritime industry, the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO), are set to convene a one-day conference aimed at devising effective solutions to these pressing issues.
The conference, themed *”Drug and Human Smuggling/Trafficking: The Evolving Maritime Security Threats to Ships and Seafarers,”* will gather key stakeholders from the Marine and Blue Economy sectors to address these threats that undermine the safety and security of the shipping industry. The event is scheduled to take place on August 22, 2024, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, starting at 10 a.m.
Prominent figures expected to attend include the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, who will chair the event, as well as 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 Administrative and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nanna Nandap.
Other notable attendees include the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Abubakar Dantsoho, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Alhaji Aminu Umar, 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.
Mr. Agassi Peter Jonathan, Co-Chairperson of the Planning Committee, emphasized the urgency of addressing the rise in drug and human trafficking through maritime routes, which poses significant risks to the shipping industry and global trade.
“The recent rise in drug and human smuggling/trafficking through the seas jeopardizes the safety and security of the shipping industry, which is a vital sector for global trade. It adds a burden to shipping companies and seafarers, key players in the development of the shipping, marine, and blue economy,” he stated.
The MASPAN-AMANO 2024 Conference aims to draw over 300 stakeholders, including shipowners, ship operators, seafarers, policymakers, and regulatory agencies such as NIMASA, Nigeria Customs Services, NPA, NDLEA, NAPTIP, and the Nigerian Navy, to discuss and develop sustainable solutions to these challenges.
The keynote address will be delivered by Capt. Suresh Prabhakar, an internationally renowned shipping expert based in Hong Kong.