By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reaffirmed that sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders remains crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and strengthening national security.
The naval chief made this known while receiving the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of New Guard Security & Consultancy Services Limited (NGSCL), Jamil Sarham, during a courtesy visit to Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the meeting underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing evolving maritime security challenges and protecting critical national assets.
During the engagement, Sarham explained that NGSCL serves as a coordinating interface between government security agencies and Private Security Companies (PSCs), with the aim of standardising operations, improving regulatory compliance, and fostering operational synergy within the security architecture.
He revealed that the company has already established a Project Management Office and commenced full operations, noting that its ongoing engagements have significantly reduced operational frictions between Private Security Companies and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Sarham also commended the Nigerian Navy for its professionalism and sustained operations against crude oil theft, stating that the efforts have contributed to improved oil production and strengthened national economic stability.
In his remarks, Abbas described the initiative as a positive step towards strengthening coordination among stakeholders involved in maritime security. He emphasised that institutionalised collaboration is essential to tackling emerging threats within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
The naval chief further noted that previous areas of friction between the Nigerian Navy and Private Security Companies have been considerably minimised, assuring the visiting delegation of the Navy’s continued support in advancing coordinated mechanisms aimed at safeguarding the nation’s maritime assets and sustaining security within the maritime domain.
