IMO to work with Nigeria, others in tackling maritime challenges

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has pledged to collaborate with Nigeria and other member states to address different maritime challenges, seeking collective solutions to the problems.

The Secretary-General of IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, conveyed this commitment in a congratulatory message to the newly appointed Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dominguez highlighted NIMASA’s contributions towards establishing a strong maritime sector in Nigeria and lauded the significant efforts, initiatives, and investments made by Nigeria in enhancing its maritime institutions.

He specifically praised Nigeria’s efforts to bolster maritime law enforcement and security architecture, which has been well-received by seafarers and flag states alike.

The Secretary-General emphasised the critical role of projects like the Deep Blue project and the C4i Centre, along with the implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act.

These measures, according to Dominguez, have notably advanced maritime security capacity building in the region, setting a new benchmark. He also commended Nigeria’s alignment with the regional goals of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, praising the nation’s leadership and collaboration within the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum and Shared Awareness and De-confliction (GoG-MCF/SHADE) initiative, launched in 2021.

The IMO scribe stated that these efforts are seen as significant strides in enhancing maritime security and law enforcement in the region. Dominguez further appreciated NIMASA’s effective partnerships with regional entities, especially the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC), and its collaboration with the shipping industry, navies, and the broader Yaoundé architecture.

He noted these partnerships have been crucial in combating piracy and armed robbery against ships, in line with the United Nations Security Council resolution 2634 (2022) and IMO Assembly resolution A.1159 (32).

“I look forward to working with you and your colleagues on the various maritime issues we face together and hope to welcome you in person at the IMO headquarters,” Dominguez stated, expressing optimism for future cooperation and collaborative efforts in addressing global maritime challenges.