Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) over the weekend commended the Federal Government for scrapping the Presidential Implementation on Maritime Security and Safety (PICOMSS), saying “it is a welcomed development that must be supported by every genuine operator or stakeholder in the sector.”
This came as the union called on the government to empower the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to be able to do the jobs assigned to it.”
PICOMSS, an adhoc creation during the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to aid security in the maritime sector as a fall-out of the terror attack on United States in 2001, was reportedly scrapped for refusing to merge with NIMASA.
This came as the union called on the government to empower the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to be able to do the jobs assigned to it.”
PICOMSS, an adhoc creation during the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to aid security in the maritime sector as a fall-out of the terror attack on United States in 2001, was reportedly scrapped for refusing to merge with NIMASA.
Stakeholders, including MWUN, had vigorously campaigned against PICOMSS when some vested interests in The Presidency and corridors of power sent a bill to the National Assembly for it to be legalised into a full-fledge organ to provide security on the nation’s water ways.
They argued that it was a duplication of one of the core responsibilities of NIMASA and a potential drain-pipe for the nation.
MWUN in a statement by its President-General, Comrade Anthony Emmanuel Nted, praised the government for listening to wiser counsel and views of stakeholders that another security outfit was not needed in the sector.
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