80 Countries, 28 Navies For Abuja Conference On Gulf Of Guinea Security

Key players in the global oil and gas as well as shipping sectors have praised the initiatives of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) aimed at ensuring security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The commendation came at a maritime security meeting in London chaired by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) where they pledged their support for the forthcoming internatioanl maritime security conference on the gulf of Guinea. 80 countries and 28 navies have confirmed their attendance at the conference.

Among the key players who gave the commendation were ,embers of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO).

They all committed to a collaboration with the IMO in support of NIMASA’s efforts to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The agreement was reached at an IMO-sponsored Maritime Security and Facilitation (MSF) meeting, which had in attendance officials of the United Nations specialised maritime regulatory agency, led by the Secretary-General, Kitack Lim; the management of NIMASA led by the Director-General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside; representatives of OCIMF, INTERTANKO, ICS, INTERCARGO, Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), and President of Chevron Worldwide, Mr. Mark Ross.

Lim, who chaired the meeting, called for stakeholders’ collaboration to overcome the challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. While acknowledging the efforts of NIMASA to tackle insecurity in the region, the IMO Secretary-General pledged the organisation’s support for Nigeria.

He stated, “We at the IMO are very much interested. It’s gladdening to note that something is being done about the issue of security in the Gulf of Guinea. Something is happening much more than ever before. We want to cruise together. I think we can make a big difference with collaboration from all stakeholders.

“The global maritime security conference in Abuja is also very important. It is a ground-breaking conference to chart a way forward for securing the Gulf of Guinea. IMO will actively participate.”

The NIMASA Director-General said, “Over 80 countries have confirmed participation, 28 Navies across the globe have also confirmed participation, with 15 Chiefs of Naval Staff personally leading their delegations to the conference.

“The side event to be hosted by the ICC will have different working groups and agreements at these sub cells will be presented at plenary during the event.”

Mr. Sam Megwa of OCIMF, who had led a team to visit Nigeria this year, also acknowledged the steps by NIMASA and the Nigerian government to curb piracy and maritime crimes. He urged the Agency to put appropriate measures in place to ensure sustainability of the security projects.

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