By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has promised to sustain the recent success it has recorded in the war against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
The agency made this pledge while signing a deal for the acquisition of N1.16 billion high-speed boats from Japan to boost security along the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of State Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba, who signed on behalf of Nigeria said that the procurement of the high-speed boat worth $2.78 million will greatly enhance the operations of the Deep Blue project.
He commended the Japanese government for their interest and interventions in Nigeria for Economic development.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, Mr Kazuyoshi Matsunaga signed on behalf of the Japanese Government, with the Director-General of NIMASA, Mr Bashir Jamoh in attendance.
“This project to strengthen the operations of NIMASA will definitely strengthen the partnership between the Government of Japan and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“Nigeria also appreciates the recent exchange of notes we signed for Emergency Improvement of Electricity Supply Facilities in Abuja, and the role Japan played in the development of the National Power Development Master-plan designed to guide the Government on the optimal energy mix and efficiency for Nigeria”.
On his part, the Director-General of NIMASA, Mr Jamoh, said, “This high-speed boat is a welcome addition to our growing arsenal of platforms and assets to reinforce service for coastal security, not only in Nigeria but also in the Gulf of Guinea, as over 60 per cent of shipping activities in the region pass through Nigerian waters”.
“This vessel will be incorporated into the Deep Blue project which already has 2 special Mission Vessels; 2 Special Mission Aircrafts; 3 Special Mission Helicopters; 10 Unmanned Air Systems and vehicles; 17 fast-moving interceptor boats; 16 armoured vehicles and the C4i centre.”
Similarly, Mr Kazuyoshi who signed on behalf of the Japanese Government noted that the project is to support the measures adopted by the Nigerian Government to deal with the threat of the blue economy, to prevent and suppress piracy, armed robbery, and any other unlawful act against ships in Nigerian waters.
Mr Kazuyoshi said: “in the Gulf of Guinea, as you know, the piracy problem is hindering the economic development of the coastal areas. A slowdown in economic development impoverishes the coastal population, forcing some of them into piracy for their livelihood. We need to break this vicious cycle.
