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NGO urges maritime agencies to enforce law against sexual violence
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Women in Maritime Journalism (WIMAJ), has urged organisations in the maritime industry to prioritise enforcement of law and policies that would protect women against sexual violence.
The Chairperson of WIMAJ, Mrs Ezinne Azunna, in Lagos on Tuesday condemned in strong terms the incessant cases of rape and violence against women in Nigeria.
According to her, the recent national discussions on putting an end to rape and sexual violence against women, must take into cognisance occurrences of sexual harassment and abuse at the workplace.
She called on organisations to ensure that people found culpable are punished according to the law.
“There are reports pointing to experiences of sexual harassment and abuse of females who work in the industry, especially seafarers who many times have to stay on board vessels working for months.
“Organisations and victims must shun the culture of silence, inaction and cover-ups if such ugly incidents will be stopped.
“Irrespective of the gender, no human being should be sexually exploited,” she said in a statement.
Azunna said there was an urgent need to ensure that individuals found guilty of rape were given stiffer punishments, regardless of their positions in the society.
Azunna urged agencies in the maritime sector to come up with bold policies on sexual abuse as silence often encouraged predators.
She noted that seafarers had been victims of rape perpetrated by pirates who hijacked vessels and held crews hostage,.
The WIMAJ boss advised government to expedite action for the implementation of the Deep Blue Project embarked upon by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
She pointed out that it was expected that the project would effectively tackle sea piracy and ensure the safety of lives at sea.
Azunna lamented at situations where rape victims who suffered severe psychological trauma were stigmatised while the perpetrators walked freely in the society unpunished.
She pledged support for victims who would speak out.
“Rape and sexual violence are criminal offences and should not be swept under the carpet and victims must be encouraged to speak out.
“Agencies must show that the industry is not weak in this regard and will fully implement policies and laws that protect workers.
“The Nigeria Police must also be ready to carry out thorough unbiased investigation to rid the society of this evil,” Azunna said.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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