IMO lauds increased shipping traffic in Gulf of Guinea, FG vows further collaborations

The International Maritime Organization, IMO said the increase in shipping traffic in the Gulf of Guinea is a testament to the Nigeria government’s sustained efforts in ridding the region of criminal elements that has restored confidence in the country’s maritime territory.

The IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, commended Nigeria for leading the charge to maintain the safety and security of commercial shipping in the region, particularly during recent times when the situation in the Red Sea has led to heavier shipping traffic in the region.

Dominguez spoke at a meeting with the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, at the IMO headquarters in London where he described the NIMASA DG’s engagement of the technical team at the IMO on how Nigeria can address all identified gaps from the 2016 audit conducted by the organization as commended.

The IMO helmsman said “I want to appreciate the effort of Nigeria on the progress made so far as regards security in the Gulf of Guinea region. There were concerns due to the situation in the Red Sea and resultant pressure around the gulf of Guinea but we are pleased that the situation has remained the same.

We at IMO have been working with Nigeria through NIMASA and we desire that the partnership continues. I am also happy that you, DG, are meeting with IMO technical staff on how to close all identified gaps before the next audit cycle. This is a step in the right direction and we are ready to give any technical support.”

He disclosed that the organization is working on enhancing the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) to provide better services to member states in terms of information management.

Speaking, the NIMASA DG, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, disclosed that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has constituted a committee to address all areas of concern raised in the 2016 IMO audit report alongside the review NIMASA’s enabling laws and effectively implementing a corrective action plan.

The NIMASA DG declared that his administration will pay attention to details on how Nigeria can become a voice to be reckoned with in global maritime diplomacy, adding that Nigeria is committed to sustaining the momentum of recent achievements in safety and security within the maritime domain.

According to Mobereola, “My tenure will leverage existing relationships both locally and internationally to sustain the momentum in safety and security within the Nigerian maritime domain. The creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry in Nigeria by Mr. President emphasizes the policy direction of this administration. Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria plays an active leading role not just in the region or the IMO, but in the global maritime space.”

Speaking further, he noted that his meeting with IMO technical staff was aimed at ensuring that NIMASA and the IMO are aligned before the next audit cycle.

 “I discovered today that some critical information regarding our administration and the technical team at the IMO is obsolete, and we are reviewing it to update it immediately. We do not see the IMO audit as an examination but rather as a guide to assist Nigeria in achieving its potential; hence, my decision to get personally involved. We need to get the basics right”. He stated.