By Ade Jacobs
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), has commended Nigeria’s leadership role in the quest for security in the Gulf of Guinea.
This is the second time in six months that Nigeria received such commendation from the United Nation’s agency responsible for regulating shipping.
According to a letter signed on behalf of the IMO Secretary General, Kitack Lim, to the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, IMO specifically highlighted NIMASA’s contributions to the war against piracy and maritime crimes in the region. These include the facilitation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, 2019, and initiation of the Deep Blue Project.
The letter read: “the efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its contribution to the fight against piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea.
“From the successful enactment of new legislation in the form of the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Act, 2019, complete with the forthcoming Guidelines, to the initiation and implementation of the C4i Deep Blue Project, Nigeria continues to demonstrate its leadership in the region with regard to maritime domain awareness and the enhancement of maritime security amongst littoral states.
“IMO remains committed to supporting the good work being done by Gulf of Guinea States, such as Nigeria, to improve maritime governance and to enhance maritime security in terms of both current and emerging threats and challenges.
“It is, therefore, imperative that States adopt a strategic approach, in order to ensure effective implementation and compliance.”
Jamoh had earlier, in a virtual address to a meeting of the G7++Group of Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (G7++FOGG), expressed Nigeria’s resolve to lead efforts to achieve security in the region, noting that Nigeria’s strategy against insecurity in the region would be based on home-grown solutions.
He sought international cooperation and technical assistance, particularly as regards maritime security strategy and policy development in line with IMO instruments.