The Director-General /CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, on Wednesday called for efforts to sustain the fight against piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes in the nation’s waters and Gulf of Guinea.
The NIMASA DG, also re-emphasised the commitment of the agency in ensuring that the nation maximise its blue ocean potential.
Speaking at the 3rd Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium themed: “Beyond Maritime Security Threats In The Gulf Of Guinea: Harnessing The Gains Of A Secured Maritime Domain”,said the theme undoubtedly encompasses a plethora of contemporary issues within the Nigerian maritime domain, which also covers the primary elements of NIMASA’s statutory mandate.
“It is gratifying to note, that events have moved so rapidly that so soon after a dark period when all discourse centered around insecurity and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, we are today sufficiently emboldened to move the trend of engagement to another level as we consider the vital issue of harnessing the gains of a secured maritime domain.
“Again, It is essential to note that a secured maritime domain is vital to the development and advancement of the world economy. Without effective maritime security measures, our economic growth will be hampered by the threats posed by piracy, illegal fishing, and other criminal activities.
“ It is therefore imperative that we focus continually on establishing and maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment. This colloquium provides us with a unique opportunity to discuss the strategies, policies, and practices necessary to tap the full potential of the Nigerian maritime space, while sustaining the climate of security necessary for development,” he said.
He stated that over the last three years now, the agency has swung into action by providing robust maritime security architecture, with enhanced maritime domain awareness, capacity and improved law enforcement ability.
This, he pointed out has resulted in a drastic decline in piracy and other maritime offences in the Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea and has provided the benchmark for member States in the Gulf of Guinea and other relevant stakeholders to develop innovative strategies for the sustenance of maritime security in the region.
“Achieving a secured maritime domain has stimulated a massive boost in the socio-economic development of our country and sub region and it is essential that we as a nation, maximize our efforts towards the diversification of the Nigerian economy to reduce the almost total dependence on oil.
“As part of the efforts of the government to diversify the Nigerian economy, a lot of investment has been made in the agricultural sector which is commendable. But the real focus should be on the maritime sector with particular emphasis on the development of the blue economy,” he added.
According to him, a well-developed blue economy would be strong enough to service Nigeria’s annual budget because it encompasses all economic activities associated with the oceans and seas.
However, he said despite these endowments and abundant resources in its oceans and seas to back its economic diversification and development drive, the country is yet to take full advantage of the emergent ocean economy to expand its revenue base.
He added that since the concept of the blue economy began to gain traction decades ago,maritime nations have been harnessing the full benefits of the ocean.
Delivering his keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by Justice MD Mohammed, said the law colloquim workshop is tailored towards effective and efficient maritime adjudication in our courts as well as curbing the menace of the rate of maritime piracy within the Gulf of Guinea.
“The maritime domain provides direct economic opportunities to a number of African countries including Nigeria and it facilitates international trade to merchandise goods for all these countries. Maritime related activities such as shipping, port facilities, tourism, fishing, oil and mineral harvesting promote economic growth.
“It is therefore crucial that we continue the conversation on ways to counter threats and insecurity in this sector by upholding the effective Administration of our Criminal Justice system. This Workshop could not have come at a better time than now. I believe that at the end, we will make significant progress in handling cases related to maritime security in our courts,” he said.
He, however, commended the Jamoh, for his grit and determination in ensuring that the Agency fulfils its mandate.
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