By Anne Ejuka
Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) is set to converge
Maritime experts from both the public and private sectors to a discourse in a bid to proffer a holistic approach to address the security constraints in the sector.
The event, which also coincides with the association's Annual General Meeting (AGM) is themed: "Maritime Security Efforts in Nigeria: Government and Private Sector Partnerships", is holding today, Thursday, October 14th, 2021 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Some important dignitaries expected to grace the occasion includes the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, Nigeria's Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral A.Z Gambo, and the Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko and other stakeholders in the maritime security sector.
According to the release by the organising committee, the Chairman of MASPAN Board of Trustees, Rear Admiral Francis Akpan (Rtd) who is also the Chief Host of the programme said the event will provide an appropriate platform for NIMASA, Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders to highlight and consolidate on the gains recorded in the area of maritime security in recent times.
The BOT chairman went further to stress that in order to provide a safe and secure shipping environment where seafarers will have confidence to sail onboard the nation's waters, there must be an efficient collaborative effort between NIMASA, Navy and private stakeholders.
According to the organizers, the event would also be streamed on YouTube and Zoom to enable robust participation from industry stakeholders.
MASPAN is a body of professionals in Maritime Security and its core objectives include; to promote the use of common and standardize industry practice; to promote the education and increase the knowledge and skills of its members in the field of maritime security; to generate and increase the awareness of maritime security issues among individuals, communities, educational institutions, business and government.
Others are; to provide communication to keep members abreast of currents, events in maritime security globally; promote awareness and understanding of maritime security; encourage professional development and foster unity and peace among members and to perform all other function necessary for or ancillary to the purpose and activities of the association.