Captain Aaron Turkson, former rector of the Royal Maritime University (RMU), has called for an expansion of training to secure the coastline of Western Africa.

Speaking in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, Captain Turkson said that the current International Ship and Port Facility Security Code which regulates the provision of maritime security training throughout the region is insufficient.

He explained that in Nigeria, an expanded training strategy could help to develop the country's labour force potential while simultaneously securing crucial oil and gas trade routes.

"You have a huge human capacity, a hugh maritime, oil and gas industry a huge coastline but only one maritime training institution and this is grossly inadequate," he said.

Nigeria is currently undertaking wholesale reforms of its oil and gas industry in line with local content legislation passed earlier this year that aims to increase the national benefits of exploration and production.

Getenergy for Western Africa