LAGOS/Nigeria: In response to the escalating maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is gearing up to unveil a comprehensive strategy aimed at effectively combating these security threats.
President of MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, made this announcement in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday. Expressing concern over the recent resurgence of piracy incidents in the first half of 2023, Bivbere emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“The inaugural edition of the MARAN Annual Lecture (MAMAL) 2023 is dedicated towards proffering solutions to maritime security in GoG,” Bivbere stated. The theme for this landmark event is “Maritime Security: Emerging Threats and Actionable Steps.”
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) report from July 2023 has confirmed a surge in maritime incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, with five incidents in the first quarter and nine in the second quarter. These incidents included armed robberies and piracy, primarily targeting anchored vessels in the region.
According to the IMB report, 14 crew members were kidnapped, with 8 taken from vessels within GoG territorial waters. In two separate hijackings, 31 crew members were held hostage, communication and navigation equipment were destroyed, and partial cargoes were stolen, with one incident involving the abduction of 6 crew members.
Bivbere acknowledged the collaborative initiatives and efforts of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as well as regional navies and maritime administrations. These efforts led to a significant reduction in piracy incidents on Nigerian waters and within the GoG throughout 2022.
The Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum for Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (GOG-MCF/SHADE) played a pivotal role in connecting stakeholders within and outside the region to effectively tackle piracy, yielding verifiable results.
Bivbere also commended the Nigerian Navy for the successful deployment of Naval assets, warships, Falcon Eye, the Deep Blue Project assets, and the establishment of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime-related Offences Act 2019, among other accomplishments in recent years.
However, he stressed the need for consolidated efforts, which will be explored during the upcoming summit. “MAMAL 2023 will dissect the continuous presence of foreign navy frigates in the region for an evaluation of their positive impact and perceived threats, especially with China’s recent decision to join international anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Guinea,” Bivbere explained.
Furthermore, with the recent extension of the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from 200 Nautical Miles to 350 Nautical Miles, MAMAL 2023 will highlight the capability of the Nigerian Navy and other agencies in providing adequate security for the expanded zone.
MAMAL 2023 is scheduled to take place on October 24 and is expected to draw the participation of the Nigerian Navy, regional navies, and various stakeholders in the maritime sector, including shipowners, NIMASA, shipping lines, terminal operators, the Nigerian Shippers Council, and major seafarer’s organizations. This event promises to be an epoch-making occasion in the quest to secure the Gulf of Guinea’s maritime domain.
