Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) is stepping up its campaign for a more robust partnership with the Nigerian Navy, calling for operational reforms to boost efficiency, standardise security protocols, and eliminate costly delays in private maritime security operations.
During a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, NNS Beecroft, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, MASPAN President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, presented the association’s blueprint for a stronger, safer, and more coordinated maritime security sector.
Maiguwa traced MASPAN’s roots to strategic discussions with naval officers at the 2013 Expanded Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Conference, with the group formally established in 2016 to champion members’ interests, uphold professional standards, and complement the Navy’s domain security efforts.
With members ranging from private maritime security companies to logistics providers, training institutions, and consultants, MASPAN has developed operational guidelines to ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and global best practices, mediated disputes on vessel manning levels, and worked to stabilise charter rates to prevent safety lapses.
But Maiguwa raised alarm over persistent delays in security vessel inspections and approvals, sometimes stretching to four months, which he said bleed companies financially and force loan repayment extensions.
He urged the Navy to allow “out-of-schedule inspections” funded by operators, including pre-departure checks overseas, to speed up deployment.
He also pushed for official recognition of MASPAN’s industry standards, such as the mandatory 24-hour operational control rooms for private security firms, arguing this would level competition, bolster safety, and enhance the Navy’s response capabilities.
While commending recent improvements in compliance with naval personnel deployment rules, Maiguwa called for sustained enforcement to safeguard service quality and industry fairness.
“We have always aligned with the Navy’s operational stance and bridged communication gaps with the global shipping community,” he said.
Responding, Rear Admiral Oamen hailed MASPAN’s structured approach and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to deeper collaboration to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests.
Both parties pledged ongoing engagement to dismantle bottlenecks, improve compliance, and make Nigeria’s waters safer for all.