The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has expressed interest in partnering with the Media in carrying out her responsibility of protecting national assets and human lives on the waterways.

Rivers State Commandant of the NSCDC, Basil Igwebueze said this on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 when the Energy and Maritime Reporters (EMR) Corps of Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Port Harcourt as part of activities to commemorate the 2023 World Seafarers’ Day.

He acknowledged that his organization has an enviable partnership with the EMR, asking EMR to help synergize the relationship between the NSCDC and other stakeholders in the sector.

“Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps has an enviable partnership with your organization because we are equally involved in maritime activities and the energy sector.”

“Of course part of our responsibility and statutory mandate is to combat vandalism and then checkmate illegal dealings on the global and other related products, that effort helps to sabotage our economy and reduce the total revenue that could have been generated to the federal government proper.”

“In a bid to counter this ugly situation, the federal government deemed it necessary to assign us the responsibility of combating criminal oil theft on the waters.”

“You will be of immense assistance to us, by helping to protect us, report us as we are, then when you discover some unruly behaviours – because the people that are bestowed with these responsibilities are humans, they may err and make some mistakes – then you also advise us appropriately, to continue to guide them and assist them to perform their duties diligently.”

“We also confirm and appeal to you to help us streamline the relationship between the NSCDC and the other active players in the oil and maritime sector.”

Ealier, the Chairman of the Energy and Maritime Reporters (EMR) Corps of Nigeria, Martins Giadom had stated the need for collaboration between both organizations, noting that such partnership will ensure the Corps stays abreast of happenings in the Energy and Maritime sector.

He further posited that benefits of a functional collaboration between EMR and NSCDC would include proper coverage and informed reportage of the latter’s activities, explaining that this would result to better sea infrastructure, noting that it is their responsibility to do so.

“We are here as part of the World Seafarers’ Day in remembrance of the day of the seafarers. As journalists, it’s our responsibility to do so and we have a request that you should give this day, an opportunity for a quarterly review to enable journalists get abreast with your activities.”

“So, we’ll like a situation where there’ll be a full collaboration with the NSCDC and the EMR. As journalists, we are committed to shedding light on their endeavours, capturing their stories, and raising awareness about the challenges they face.”

“We have a responsibility to share their experiences, their triumphs, and their struggles with the world. They thus need much projection as the Blue Economy becomes more obvious especially for the littoral and coastal states, this is why we seek your collaboration.”

“As the World celebrates the indomitable spirit of seafarers and acknowledge their immense contributions to international trade and global prosperity, we at EMR are looking at “Nigeria’s increasing participation in seafaring profession and their economic impact in the maritime economy of any nation.”

The World Seafarers’ Day is celebrated on June 25, to mark the International Day of Seafarers, celebrating their activities and contributions to the economy and protecting the marine environment.