. Seeks support for Nigeria in IMO elections
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of cooperation in the field of Maritime Security and Safety.
Under the terms, the MoU is for an initial period of five years will be automatically renewed for another five years unless either participant withdraws six months before the expiration.
It covers capacity building, information sharing, search and rescue liaison and establishment of hotlines for direct communication at all times.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while the Director-General, International Affairs and Intelligence Bureau, KCG, Seonggi Kang, signed on behalf of the Republic of Korea.
The MoU, which was penned on Tuesday at the NIMASA Headquarters in Lagos, provides a framework for the Agency and the Korean Coast Guard to develop, coordinate and monitor the implementation of maritime security and safety between both organisations.
Speaking, Jamoh said the MoU will be implemented to the best interest of both countries, adding that it will ultimately enhance safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea, according to a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward.
He said: “The relationship between Nigeria and Korea spans over many decades. This MoU, which started with a statement of intent in 2018, is designed to reinforce the commitment of both countries to grow bilateral trade through maritime.”
The MoU covers capacity building, information sharing, search and rescue liaison and establishment of hotlines for direct communication at all times.
Commenting on the emergence of Nigeria’s Dr Paul Adalikwu as the newly elected Secretary-General of the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Jamoh said it is another testimony of the trust the international community now bestows on Nigeria’s leadership role in the African maritime sector.
He also used the occasion to call on the Korean Government to support Nigeria’s quest to return to the council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) during the elections scheduled for the first week of December in London.
“It is worthy of note that Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in the West and Central Africa region is seeking election into the council in Category C at the IMO. We trust you will convey our message to your home country on the need to support Nigeria,” Jamoh appealed.
On his part, Kang commended Nigeria for its commitment to the growth of the maritime industry.
He said: “We are impressed with the Nigerian Government’s commitment to safety and security in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea. We shall convey your message seeking support for return to council at the IMO to our home country based on conviction.
He expressed optimism that the MoU will assist in addressing some issues in the Nigerian maritime domain. “There are a lot of concerns in the Gulf of Guinea, especially with piracy and illegal fishing. We hope by signing this MoU, these challenges and others will be resolved.”
