NIMASA urged to explore Navy’s maritime security intelligence to fortify Gulf of Guinea

TO further fortify the security level at the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been advised to explore the treasures of maritime security information and intelligence that reside with the Nigerian Navy.

Real Admiral Andrew Okoja (rtd), Chairman Mercury Maritime Concession Company (MMCC) Limited, gave the counsel in an interaction with press in Lagos recently.

Lauding the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, on the security partnership with the Chatham House London, Real Admiral Andrew Okoja also urged NIMASA to host an international conference of maritime stakeholders from select countries in the West & Central African sub-regions and South America.

It would be recalled that the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and Dr. Alex Vines, Director of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, met in London recently and reached a decision that the   issue of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea should be raised at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this month while emphasizing the progress made by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in combating piracy and sea robbery

“The is a laudable initiative by DG NIMASA. I advise NIMASA to tap from the treasure of maritime security information and intelligence that resides with Nigerian Navy in its mission to neutralise the adverse security situation in the Gulf of Guinea region.

“Dr. Mobereola and his administration should also consider hosting an international conference of maritime stakeholders drawing   from select countries in the West and Central African sub-regions including South America.

“I will suggest that the theme of such conference should centre on Maritime Security in Gulf Regions with emphasis on the Gulf Of Guinea,” said Real Admiral Andrew Okoja.