This strategic partnership was announced in a statement issued on Monday by Edward Osagie, Head of Public Relations at NIMASA.
The agreement to push for greater attention to the security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea was reached during a high-level meeting between NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and Dr. Alex Vines, Director of the Africa Programme at Chatham House. The session, held in Lagos, also included Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Bwala William, alongside other stakeholders.
The collaboration between NIMASA and Chatham House is also set to extend beyond the UNSC. Both parties have begun preparations to convene a gathering of international stakeholders from the public and private sectors in Nigeria to further discuss and address maritime security issues.
Dr. Mobereola, speaking after the meeting, highlighted the strides made by NIMASA in reducing piracy and sea robbery in the region. He emphasized the crucial role of international partnerships in sustaining these efforts. “We had a very fruitful discussion with the team at Chatham House. The decision to engage the UN Security Council is to ensure they are well informed about the progress made so far in terms of security in the Gulf of Guinea,” Mobereola stated via his official X handle @MobereolaD.
He further elaborated on the importance of obtaining an independent analysis of the security situation in the Gulf of Guinea, underscoring the potential economic benefits that could arise from improved maritime security. These benefits include reduced freight costs for Nigerian-bound vessels and a reassessment of the war risk insurance premiums that have long burdened the country’s shipping industry.
Mobereola also praised the role of Chatham House in fostering understanding and adaptation to change over the past century. “The coming on board of Chatham House will serve as a catalyst in developing our Blue Economy,” he said, referring to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
The issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea remains a significant concern for West and Central African countries, with Nigeria, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire being the worst affected. In 2021, the UN commended Nigeria for its leading role in securing the Gulf of Guinea, particularly through initiatives like the Deep Blue Project, an Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure launched by Nigeria to combat maritime threats.
The Secretary-General of the IMO, Kitack Lim, has also recognized Nigeria’s vital contributions to the fight against piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. The IMO, a specialized agency of the UN, is responsible for regulating shipping and will continue to support Nigeria and the broader region in these efforts.
