Buhari Seeks Global Cooperation on War against Piracy
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja called on governments the world over to support Nigeria’s ongoing war on piracy and maritime crime and criminality in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), noting that the Gulf is vital to global energy demands and economic prosperity.
The President, who made the call while speaking at the ongoing Global Maritime Security Conference in Abuja, added that security in the GoG is contingent on the ability to put in place international, continental regional and national framework and resources. He pledged that Nigeria would not relent on her efforts to address piracy scourge.
He pointed out that the international treaties on maritime security provided robust mechanisms for cooperation among maritime nations in the fight and suppression of maritime crimes.
“To succeed in our objective, a collective effort from all stakeholders represented here today is essential. I reiterate the need for a joint effort because security in the GoG is vital and central to global trade in view of the fact that many trade routes connecting the continent to the rest of the world, run through the Gulf.
“Also, the Gulf of Guinea encompasses diverse geographical, geological and rich cultural heritage with many of its states endowed with vast oil and gas deposits critical in addressing global energy demands. More so, as the African continent forges ahead with phase 2 negotiations for the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), safety and security of sea transportation are critical to seamless trade and effective economic integration.
“Our approach, therefore, towards the realisation of maritime security in the region and other vital sea lanes is contingent on our collective effort and ability to put in place international, continental, regional and national framework and resources in cooperation with critical stakeholders,” he said.
Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Subairu Dada, pointed out that Nigeria recorded significant improvement in the recent International Maritime Bureau (IMB) ranking, a proof that efforts to eradicate the menace by the governments in the region are bearing dividends.
Buhari said the Nigerian Navy has stepped up collaborative efforts with other maritime security agencies aimed at achieving a safe and secure maritime domain.
“I charge us all to continue to work together towards the security of our waters and trade routes for our economic prosperity,” the President added.
On his part, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the absence of legal frameworks within member states seemed to be a significant challenge in the regional effort to stem the tide.
“Nigeria, in this regard, thankfully, has put in place detailed legislation in the form of a Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act to tackle and repress piracy and other maritime crimes in the Nigerian maritime domain,” he said.