The Federal Government’s has assured of implementation of the African Union (AU) strategy on ocean governance and maintaining a clean maritime environment in the continent.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, during the celebration of the African Day of the Seas and Oceans held in Lagos, pledged that Nigeria would participate effectively in shaping the international ocean governance in the United Nations.

Amaechi, who was represented by the Director, Maritime Safety and Security of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mohammed Dauda, expressed government’s determination during the celebration of the African Day of the Seas and Oceans held in Lagos, yesterday.

According to him, the code of conduct signed by heads of government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Gulf of Guinea would help the fight against piracy, sea robbery and other maritime crimes.

The minister said efforts were being made to tackle piracy, robbery and illegal fishing within the maritime domain through the establishment of the Maritime Guard Command made up of military personnel drawn from the Army, Navy and Air force, and based at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) head office in Lagos.

He said: “The anti-piracy law is presently before the National Assembly and when passed into law, will ensure adequate sanctions against offenders and act as a deterrent to others.

“As we celebrate, let us always remember that the seas provide the fishes we eat, the oil and gas that sustain our economy, means of transport for over 95 per cent of our international trade and it contributes immensely to the power generation, agricultural irrigation and the moderation of our climate and weather.

“The seas and oceans are gifts of nature and should be treated with care and respect, to develop a sustainable ocean economy that would be passed from generation to generation in Nigeria,” he said.

Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, enjoined stakeholders to key into the 2050 Aim Strategy and Agenda of 2063 of the African Union in ensuring that seas and oceans are clean and safe and that the maritime domain is secured through effective surveillance and monitoring.

He said: “Oceans and seas are central to the concept of Blue Economy in Africa and the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations has identified the blue economy as suitable in meeting sustainable development goals.

“When it comes to Africa’s sustainable development, the seas and oceans are usually overlooked. It is however important that we realise that many people depend on the seas and oceans activities for their daily survival and discussions on sustainable development cannot be complete without tackling the issues of oceans governance and security,” he added.