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Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone by recording 24 months of zero piracy within its continental shelf, leading to the elimination of the War Risk Insurance (WRI) surcharge on vessels entering Nigerian waters. This development marks a crucial step towards enhancing the nation’s economic prospects and maritime security.
In addition, the United Nations has granted Nigeria a larger continental shelf, a decision celebrated by Nigerian authorities as it opens new avenues for economic growth and resource exploration.
The announcement was made by Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), at the Elele Military Base in Rivers State. Mobereola highlighted the achievement’s profound impact on the economy, particularly in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy initiatives.
The DG emphasized the importance of regaining the international maritime community’s confidence, a task successfully undertaken through collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Blue Economy.
Nigeria had previously faced a WRI designation due to frequent piracy attacks on vessels headed to its shores. In response, the Federal Government launched the Deep Blue Project, a comprehensive security initiative involving the Navy, Air Force, Army, and Police. This project, equipped with specialized training and advanced equipment, has been instrumental in reducing piracy incidents to zero, thereby removing Nigeria from international risk zones.
At the graduation ceremony for a new batch of special forces at Elele Military Base, the Minister of Defence praised the project’s success and reaffirmed its significance to NIMASA. He noted that the newly graduated forces would bolster maritime security, contributing to Nigeria’s vision of becoming a leading maritime nation.
The ministers also inspected various military assets, including armored vehicles and helicopters, underscoring the critical roles played by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Blue Economy. They called for continued support to manage the newly expanded continental shelf and maintain the nation’s secure maritime space.
The achievements in maritime security were attributed to the dedicated efforts of the personnel on the front lines, whom Mobereola lauded as valiant defenders of the nation’s waters.
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