GoG: Norway Commends Nigeria's Role In Curbing Piracy

By Grace Okpaneka

Harboursandport.com: Lagos - The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Anniken Huitfeldt, has commended Nigeria's role in securing the Gulf of Guinea, GoG which in the past was the hub of piracy in the West and Central Africa region.

L-R: Norwegian Foreign Minister, Her Excellency, Annie Huitfeldt, the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, and Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Lein Knut, during a bilateral meeting between the Royal Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs to NIMASA in Lagos.

Huitfeldt gave the commendation when she paid a courtesy call to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA in Lagos. She attributed that the peace and security the shipping community is currently enjoying in the Gulf of Guinea is to a large extent due to the dedication and commitment of Nigeria to the safety and security in the troubled region.

According to her, “I thank the Nigerian government and NIMASA for their dedication to the safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

“I am deeply impressed by what I saw on my visit to NIMASA.” she declared.

She said Nigeria is one of the respected partners of Norway and therefore her role in the Gulf of Guinea is appreciated by her government.”

On the contribution of Norway to the security in the GoG, she said “Norway has contributed to maritime development in Nigeria through capacity training and has also rendered economic assistance through the United Nations towards enhancement of maritime safety.”

In his welcome address, Director General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh, explaining the functions and responsibilities of the agency, said Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in the West African sub-region hosts over 110,000 vessels annually.

He noted that unfortunately, due to a lack of viable shipbuilding and repairs industry in the country, most of the ship owners move their vessels to other neighboring countries of Togo, Ghana, and the Republic of Benin for drydocking and ship repair.

He noted that “There is a huge demand for ship repairs in the country. NIMASA welcomes partnership with Norway to exploit and develop the shipbuilding and ship repairs industry in the country.” Jamoh noted.