The Ports Authority Police, Western Command in Apapa, has significantly ramped up its collaborative efforts with major players in the maritime industry. This strategic move aims to fortify the security framework, boost port efficiency, and improve operational synergy among various agencies operating within the sector.
High-Level Engagement with NIMASA
In a pivotal meeting, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Maritime, Chinedu Oko, visited the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola. The discussions, which took place recently, centered on the critical need for a unified security approach to protect Nigeria's coastal waters, port facilities, and vital maritime assets.
Oko, in a statement released by the Command's Police Public Relations Officer, Isaac Hundeyin, praised NIMASA for its ongoing work in maritime safety, capacity development, and the implementation of the Deep Blue Project. He emphasized that sustainable cooperation between law enforcement and maritime regulators is indispensable for safe and efficient maritime operations.
Commitment to Robust Port Security
The Commissioner of Police for the Ports Authority Police, Western Command, Apapa, Toyin Agbaminoja, reaffirmed the force's dedication to providing strong security coverage across all major port corridors. This commitment extends to the Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, and the Command's marine unit, which conducts patrols up to 12 nautical miles from the ports.
Agbaminoja expressed a strong readiness to deepen operational synergy with NIMASA specifically to combat maritime crimes, facilitate smoother trade, and guarantee the security of vessels, cargo, and everyone who uses the port facilities.
Expanding the Collaborative Network
The engagement drive extended beyond NIMASA. Commissioner Agbaminoja also met with the Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) in Apapa, Adebowale Lawal. During this meeting, she advocated for a stronger partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to ensure a safe and secure port environment that is conducive to trade.
Further broadening the scope of dialogue, Agbaminoja held discussions with the President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Francis Bunu. The talks focused on enhancing mutual understanding between the Police and the maritime workforce across all port terminals.
The Police Commissioner's extensive stakeholder engagement also included meetings with the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as well as representatives from key freight forwarding associations: the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Mobereola, welcomed the police delegation and highlighted the Agency's eagerness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force. Key areas for partnership identified include intelligence sharing, joint operations, capacity building, and enhancing maritime domain awareness. He stressed that efficient maritime security is fundamental to Nigeria's economic stability, the competitiveness of its ports, and its reputation on the global stage.
