Following the recent controversies trailing the security services rendered at the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) in the Lagos ports, freight forwarders have called on the Federal Government through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to restore the operation of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMS).
To them, OMS operations have brought some level of security assurance to maritime operators, especially freight forwarders who consider OMSL operations to be beneficial to the industry.
Contrary to claims that the SAA is leading to increase in cost of shipping, they say security of ships at the SAA by the Nigerian Navy, using platforms provided by OMSL is helping multinational shipping lines to save about $225,000 per trip to Lagos ports.
Increase Uche, president of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), who briefed newsmen in Lagos, said that canceling of the operation will result in diversion of Nigerian cargo to neighbouring countries.
“We do not want this SAA to be disrupted in order not to expose our cargoes to the risk of hijacking of ships and kidnapping of crew. If the SAA is disrupted, ships will begin to go to neighboring ports of Cotonou, Togo and Ghana. We don’t want to go back to the old order. We are asking the Federal Government to look critically on this issue,” Uche, who spoke for port users, said.
Recall that the Senate recently opened an investigation into the alleged diversion of N263.89 billion by a company offering security services at the safe anchorage area in Lagos ports.
The Senate had insisted that it is only the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy and Maritime police that have the statutory responsibility of providing security in the Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The Senate also alleged that OMS Limited charges ship that anchored in the SAA $2,500 on the first day and $1,500 on subsequent days, which OMS said was to cover the cost of providing services at the SAA.
According to Uche, OMS service is not compulsory and equally at no cost to government.
“The SAA is also helping to cut the shipping lines’ overhead cost, because they will not need to hire mercenaries to come to Nigerian waters at over 300 percent of what OMS charges. Before SAA, vessels coming to Lagos carry mercenaries onboard, to provide security. One of such mercenaries would cost $2,500 and a ship would carry three for a period not less than 30 days, spending as much as $225,000 and more,” he said.
JOHN SEYI SALAU
