The shipwrecks which have proliferated off the coast of Nigeria in recent years as pirates and rebel groups look to destabilise the oil and gas industry and other key maritime sectors must be removed, Nigerdock's port facility security officer Emmanuel Eyo has said.

Speaking to This Day, he called for an immediate removal of the wreckages in order to maintain safe navigation in Nigeria's waters, while also calling for increased naval security patrols.

"[Abandoned ships and shipwrecks] do not only pose a threat to vessels coming into Nigerdock, but could also be used as hideouts and bases for pirates and miscreants," Mr Evo warned.

In addition to its shipyard facilities, Nigerdock also operates a training and development centre under the coordination of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Its fully equipped workshops focus on rigging, safety, quality and first aid training to allow workers to serve the oil and gas industry and other maritime sectors.

5th Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Exploration and Production