In a significant move to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has partnered with Chatham House, London, to present the issue of regional security at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this month. This strategic decision highlights the progress made by NIMASA in combating piracy and sea robbery in one of the world’s most critical maritime regions.
The agreement was reached during a high-level session between NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and Dr. Alex Vines, Director of the Africa Programme at Chatham House. The meeting was also attended by Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Bwala William.
Dr. Mobereola emphasized the necessity of effective international collaboration to sustain and build upon the security advancements in the Gulf of Guinea. “We had a very fruitful discussion with the team at Chatham House,” Dr. Mobereola stated, highlighting the importance of informing the UNSC about the substantial security improvements in the region. He also underscored the need for an independent analysis of the current security situation to translate these gains into economic benefits, such as reduced freight costs for Nigerian-bound vessels and addressing issues related to war risk insurance premiums.
The collaboration between NIMASA and Chatham House is also set to convene a meeting of international stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. The goal of this gathering is to develop a comprehensive position paper on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, which will further guide international policy and strategy on this critical issue.
Chatham House, renowned for its independent analysis and trusted dialogue over the past century, will play a pivotal role in catalyzing the development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, as highlighted by Dr. Mobereola in his official communication via X (formerly Twitter).
This initiative marks a proactive step by NIMASA and its partners to secure international support and recognition for the ongoing efforts to maintain safety in the Gulf of Guinea, ensuring the region remains conducive for maritime commerce and economic growth.