GoG attacks: NIMASA welcomes IMO SG’s call for vigilance

…Attack has devastating effect on seafarers, blue economy–Jamoh

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has welcomed the recent call by the International Maritime Organisation’s Secretary General, Mr. Kitach Lim for the need for the sustenance of the established maritime security frameworks, such as the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum/ SHADE- GOG, to deliver operational response.

Coming against the backdrop of the two recent pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, NIMASA described the statement as timely and important.

The CEO of NIMASA in a statement posted on his verified Twitter handle @jamohBashir said: “As Director General of NIMASA and executive co-chair of the Gulf of Guinea SHADE forum, I share the Secretary Generals’ concerns and the devastating effect these attacks have on seafarers and the blue economy.”

He said that the reduction of pirate attacks over the last 18 months has been most welcome and achieved, in no small part, by the collaboration of national, regional, and international navies, the Yaounde Architecture, and the Shipping Industry in their collective responses to incidents through the SHADE forum.

“Now is not the time to drop our guard. This is why the 7th Plenary of the SHADE scheduled for Abuja in May will provide the Forum with a significant and timely opportunity to remobilize regional navies and industries to sustain the focus on maritime security,” Dr. Jamoh said.

He stated that the operational presence and actions of Deep Blue and the Nigerian Navy will continue to support all efforts to maintain a safe and secure maritime environment. Dr. Jamoh concluded by saying, “I can reassure and reaffirm that NIMASA will maintain our commitment to upholding maritime security for all shipping in the Gulf of Guinea.”