The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has lamented that despite Nigeria’s huge investment in maritime security, the country is still paying War Risk Insurance premiums on cargoes bound for its ports.
Speaking on Thursday when he received a team from the Denmark Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, urged the international community to look into the continuous payment of War Risk Insurance premiums by Nigeria-bound cargoes despite the drop in piracy issues within the nation’s waters.
According to the NIMASA DG, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Hon. Chudi Offodile, “We have had collaborations with the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Centre.
“We have also had capacity development programmes in conjunction with the Centre. We actually hope for more collaboration with the Kofi Annan Centre on issues relating to conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and security.
“Then, of course, we look forward to having exchange programmes involving NIMASA and the Danish maritime institution to facilitate knowledge sharing.
“I think it was in November 2023 that we had this media training conducted in partnership with the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Centre.
“Since that training, there has been notable improvement in maritime reporting by Nigerian media practitioners. It is important to note the role of the media in maritime awareness, and NIMASA will continue to support capacity development in that regard.
“You talked about our experience in maritime security. I am sure you are aware of the Deep Blue Project and its impact. It was commissioned in 2021.
“Now, one of the issues we need to look at is how has the international community responded to Nigeria’s efforts in combating maritime insecurity? How has the international community responded to the efforts of Nigeria in mitigating the harmful effects of piracy and kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG)?
“The records are clear. Since the Deep Blue Project intervention, there has been a great reduction, and in some years, outright elimination of piracy and kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Then, of course, you mentioned the Yaounde architecture, which, of course, is part of the regional collaboration in achieving the same objective.
“Unfortunately, Nigeria has not seen a commensurate response in terms of reduction in the War Risk Insurance premium and the cost of freight movement.
“These are things we expect that the international community will look into. I hope that with your visit, the Danish government will look into these issues.
“There should be a direct response to show that the world appreciates and recognises the work that we have done in that regard.
“As we interact further, we will be able to find out from you what are the things we need to do better.”
Speaking earlier, the leader of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Kristin Skov-Spilling, explained that they are in NIMASA to hear Nigeria’s experience with the cooperation with the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Centre.
“Nigeria is really the big brother in this sector and domain, and we’re honoured that you’re so kind and willing to spend time with us.
“There is the Kofi Annan Centre doing training, but also research and capacity development with a regional perspective. The research they do can be used by all stakeholders to enhance the use of the sort of institutional administrative frameworks that exist, like the Yaounde architecture, etc.
“And then we actually also have a military sort of cooperation, where the Danish military attachés, one in Accra and one here in Abuja, support the programme.
“Today, what we’re interested in is hearing your experience with the cooperation with the Kofi Annan Centre. So far, what have been the highlights, and I don’t know if there’s been any down points, but also if you have any suggestions for things that ought to be included for the future.
“It’s interesting to know how you see this code of practice regarding women in the maritime sector. But overall, it’s also really interesting to hear Nigeria’s perspectives on the domain of maritime security because of your very important role.”
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