Transport minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi says Nigeria needs $186m to fight piracy, protect its waters and ensure that vessels coming in and out of the country are secured.

The minister said this while addressing delegates at the Nor-Shipping’s inaugural Africa Podium in Oslo, Norway.

Amaechi disclosed that the federal government would conduct more trainings for the Navy within the next six month and also provide technical support to patrol vessels in the region.

“Rest assured, in six months you will no longer be harassed in our waters,” he said.

The minister explained that piracy was not the only problem in Nigeria’s maritime sector, saying all challenges faced in the sector would be curbed as the transport ministry has the largest budget allocation from the government.

“All you hear about is efforts to stamp out corruption, but we are working extremely hard to develop transport infrastructure.

“Things are changing,” Amaechi said.