Ahead of Thursday’s World Maritime Day, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has Said the federal government is determined to ensure sustained zero piracy incidence in Nigeria waterways.
In a statement by the minister’s spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, the minister noted that the theme for the 2024 World Maritime Day, reflects International Maritime Organization (IMO) efforts at enhancing maritime safety and security, in line with the protection of the marine environment.
Oyetola, who described the theme for this year’s celebration, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” as a fitting narrative for the current happenings in Nigeria, also said it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s desire to make Nigeria a maritime hub in Africa
He noted that the first major step by the president in navigating the future for Nigeria was the creation of the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, while following it up with other policies and programmes that would ensure the safety of the country’s waterways.
The minister further said the Deep Blue project, initiated by the Nigerian government and led by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), addresses the complex security challenges in Nigeria’s waterways. Since its full deployment in 2021 within the Nigerian Continental Shelf, maritime security has been significantly enhanced.
He said the enhanced security is “responsible for the record of zero piracy by Nigeria in the last 24 months and it is to be noted that the United Nations Security Council, at its 905th meeting, acknowledged the progress made by Nigeria in maritime security concerning the contributions of the deep blue project.”
The minister, while noting that the country has reasons to celebrate the day, further expressed the country’s commitment to sustaining the gains of the Deep Blue project, with a view to ensuring maximum security of the country’s maritime domain.
Oyetola also assured that the new regulatory transportation code, which he unveiled at National Inland Waterways Authority’ s (NIWA) headquarters in Lokoja recently, would significantly standardise water transportation, minimise accidents, and provide a structured environment for potential investors.
The World Maritime Day is celebrated annually to provide an opportunity to focus attention on the importance of shipping and other maritime activities and to emphasise a particular aspect of the work of the International Maritime Organization.
