Time to Tackle Sea Violence

Late last year, Nigeria regained her membership of the prestigious Governing Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in the "C" Category, via a keenly contested election in London. That good news is being rubbished at the moment by the activities of sea pirates who have turned the nation's territorial waters into theatres of violence. If it is not confronted frontally soon, this felony will completely destroy the economic and social essence of maritime in the country and further undermine the nation's international standing.
It is indeed embarrassing and troubling that Nigeria's only companion in the current high level of sea insecurity worldwide is Somalia. The frustration of the global community over this security breakdown culminated in IMO's warning to Nigeria early last month to combat the banditry before April this year or risk blacklisting by foreign ships that lift crude oil from the country. The government must grasp the import of that threat and the scope of damage already done by the criminals.
From Lagos to Calabar, heavily armed sea robbers who are sometimes dressed in military camouflage engage in their criminal acts with impunity and often overpower their targets and even the naval resistance. In two years, at least 50 attacks have been recorded, claiming the lives of close to 60 ship captains and sailors. The Navy has also lost some of its men while challenging the bandits. Consequently, numerous vessels are now idle at jetties across the nation's sea belt as many fishing trawler owners are apprehensive about the fate of their crew members and ships.
This despondent scenario took a dramatic turn the other day when members of the Fishing Trawlers Workers Association staged a protest march to the Government House, Alausa, Lagos, armed with the corpse of one of the victims of sea attacks, Tayo Nana. The letter jointly signed by the body's President, Captain Shehu Kosoko, and Secretary General, Captain Isaac Esiekpe, and presented to Governor Babatunde Fashola for delivery to President Umaru Yar'Adua captures the severity of the situation. It reads in part: "This industry has over 3070 vessels, with more than 10,000 family members and dependents who earn their livelihood from it. This includes market women, who trade on fish, and the public. The loss of revenue, which would have accrued to the government through tax and export levy is monumental with its attendant social implications, should this industry be crippled by the activities of sea pirates, as many workers will be rendered jobless."
Beyond the effects of this criminality on the domestic economy and personal fortunes, Nigeria's external earnings and influence in the 40-member strong decision making organ of IMO - the United Nations agency with sweeping powers in maritime matters - are also threatened. Militancy in the Niger Delta region accounts for the upsurge in the operations of the sea criminals. It, therefore, means that since the causes are known, finding permanent solutions to the problem is achievable, with the determination of stakeholders, especially the government.
The steps taken so far to halt the menace that attempts to defy Nigeria's rising profile in world maritime are noteworthy. Naval personnel have been seconded to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the war against piracy. A 10-man joint committee of the Navy and NIMASA was also set up not long ago with a mandate to establish offshore platforms, facilitate the procurement of patrol boats and communication equipment, engender efficiency in the operational staff, among other preventive and redemptive measures. Ultimately, adequate dominance of the nation's sea space by the navy, rather than by the agents of despair and death, should be sought vigorously by the relevant authorities.
Though Herculean, that aim is realisable. It requires greater attention from the government whose responsibility it is to protect the territorial integrity of the country. Its armed forces should be properly funded, equipped and motivated to withstand the onslaught of the men of the underworld who clearly have the upper hand at present. Words must be matched with immediate, decisive action. Before the IMO team arrives next month for inspection, concrete steps towards normalcy must be taken.