By GODWIN ORITSE
MORE opposition groups have kicked against  the concessioning of the security of the nation’s  coastal waters  to a private firm by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Speaking against the already approved deal, the President of the Master Mariners Association of Nigeria (MMAN) , Captain Emmanuel Omotayo said that what the Government through NIMASA has is at variance with best international practice.

The group stated that if the current development is not reserved, Nigeria stands the risk of being isolated by other maritime countries of the world.

Captain Omotayo  stated that what is needed to be done is for NIMASA to put its acts together and establish the Nigerian Maritime Coast Guard.

He disclosed that the issue of coast guard has been proposed to the government on several occasions but the same government remained adamant

The former ship Captain further disclosed  NIMASA’s involvement with a private firm over the issue as sensitive as security is against the Act setting up the agency.

He stated that the group is planning its own strategy to counter NIMASA’s move adding that the country is getting worse by the worse and the development is unacceptable.

He however advised the NIMASA’s management to call for stakeholders’  meeting so as to feel the pulse of other operators about the concessioning of the security of the coastal waters.

“The concern of the Nigeria Association of Master Mariners to the fast degenerating security status of Nigeria maritime domain was demonstrated through an open forum the Association hosted at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs on the 12th of May 200.

A communique was issued at the end of the programme and issues that bothered on the lapses in the provision of adequate security cover for the nation’s maritime domain, the consequences of such lapses include the sordid classification of Nigeria, by the International Maritime Bureau, along the failed state of Somalia.

They also volunteered to  help NIMASA set up a coast guard command to assist it in beefing up the security situation on the nation’s waters.

It would be recalled that the Federal Executive Council last week approved the supply of platforms that will be used to execute maritime security on the nation’s coastal waters to the tune of over N16billion to a private firm called Global West Vessels Limited purported own by an ex-militant.