In a development that has stirred ripples in the Nigerian maritime sector, Temisan Omatseye, former director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has expressed grave concerns over the increasing attacks on indigenous fishing trawlers by international offshore shipping vessels. Omatseye’s revelations put a spotlight on a predicament that is jeopardizing the operations of local trawlers in conducting their business at sea.
Speaking out against the current state of maritime security, Omatseye highlighted the critical role of intelligence garnered from coastal communities in ensuring maritime security. He lamented the Marine Police’s perceived ineffectiveness in safeguarding the maritime space, thus exposing the fishing trawlers to potential threats.
Furthering his advocacy for the industry, Omatseye called for the establishment of a fishing terminal. Such a facility would provide bunkers and other essentials for trawlers, thereby reducing the need for trawlers to carry cash and in turn, lowering their risk of becoming targets for theft. The absence of such amenities, Omatseye noted, currently impedes the operations of the trawlers.
Omatseye also brought attention to the government’s Deep Blue Project, which aims to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain. He stressed that the project’s success is heavily reliant on local intelligence. Given the sheer expanse of the maritime space, which spans an estimated 90,000 square kilometers, it is virtually impossible to provide comprehensive coverage without the aid of local intelligence.
Omatseye’s comments underscore the challenges faced by Nigeria’s fishing industry and highlight the urgent need for improved maritime security measures and infrastructure. They serve as a compelling call to action to address these issues and ensure the continuity and growth of the fishing sector, a vital component of Nigeria’s economy.