NIMASA assures of Safety in International waters.

Dr Jamoh in an interview at the event.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) says the country is taking steps to ensure safety of Vessels in Nigeria and international waters particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.

Director General  of NIMASA,Dr. Bashir Jamoh speaking in Lagos while addressing newsmen said the areas of maritime safety, maritime security and maritime shipping development are being addressed.

He said to ensure navigation of Nigerian waters, all wrecks are being removed as the country has been grouped into four zones, Badagry, Tin Can Island Creek area, Eastern zone in Port Harcourt and the Central zone in Warri. The NIMASA boss said contract for the removal of wrecks from Badagry to Tin Can Island has been awarded.

He said with the removal of the wrecks throughout the Nigerian waters the appellation that Nigeria waters are dangerous will be removed.

On security, he said efforts and security measures put in place have drastically reduced the activities of criminals attacking vessels. The NIMASA director general said ten criminals were recently convicted while the number of attacks have been reduced drastically.

He said Sixteen armoured vehicles that can withstand any weather have been purchased, while three special mission helicopters and three special aircraft have also being acquired, coupled with over 600 trained personnel.

He said when fully implemented, Nigeria will be fully recognised as a force in combating insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. Dr Jamoh said the ultimate goal is zero attack in Nigerian waters.

Dr Jamoh said with all measures taking by Nigeria, the global shipping community should have a  rethink over the surcharge of war risk insurance being slammed on Nigerian bound cargoes.

He said since the improvement in security, the relevant stakeholders should begin to rethink on the charges.

Afolabi Oyekunle.