The Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) has called for deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to strengthen operational efficiency, standardise security protocols, and address delays affecting private maritime security operations in the country.
The association’s president, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, NNS Beecroft, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen in Lagos. The MASPAN delegation met with the naval leadership to present the association’s achievements, interventions, and recommendations for improving Nigeria’s maritime security framework.
Maiguwa, who traced MASPAN’s formation to discussions held with naval officers during the Expanded Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Conference in 2013, explained that the association was formally registered in 2016 to protect members’ interests, promote professional standards, and support the Nigerian Navy’s efforts in securing the maritime domain.
He noted that MASPAN is structured into forums for private maritime security companies, maritime logistics support providers, training institutions, and consultants—allowing sector-specific concerns to be deliberated before being escalated to the wider body.
Highlighting past interventions, Maiguwa said MASPAN had developed operational guidelines for private maritime companies to ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and international best practices, intervened in disputes over security vessel manning levels, and worked to stabilise charter rates for maritime security vessels to prevent safety compromises.
The MASPAN president stressed the need to address persistent delays in inspection and clearance of newly acquired security vessels, which he said had resulted in significant financial losses for operators. “Some companies have waited for up to four months before their vessels could be inspected and approved. These delays not only increase operational costs but also lead to loan restructuring that stretches repayment schedules by years,” he lamented.
To resolve the problem, he proposed allowing out-of-schedule inspections funded by operators, including pre-departure inspections before vessels leave their countries of origin. This, he said, would enable faster deployment once the vessels arrive in Nigeria.
Maiguwa also called for formal recognition of MASPAN’s industry-aligned operational standards, particularly the requirement for private maritime security companies to maintain 24-hour operational control rooms for effective monitoring and quicker incident response. He argued that such standards would level the playing field, enhance safety, and complement the Navy’s surveillance capabilities.
On compliance with naval personnel deployment protocols, Maiguwa acknowledged recent improvements by the Navy but urged sustained enforcement to prevent deviations that could undermine service quality and fairness in the industry.
The MASPAN leader emphasised that the association’s advocacy is designed to support the Navy’s objectives while bridging communication gaps with the international shipping community. “We have always aligned our position with the Navy’s operational stance, ensuring that stakeholders understand and comply with Nigeria’s maritime security framework,” he said.
In his response, the Flag Officer Commanding, NNS Beecroft, commended MASPAN for its structured approach to industry challenges and assured the association of the Navy’s readiness to work closely with stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime interests.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing commitment to continuous engagement to tackle sectoral bottlenecks, improve compliance, and enhance the safety of Nigeria’s waters.
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