By Hauwa Ali
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has signed an Exchange of Note(E/N) with the
Japanese Government for an Economic and Social Development Programme
involving the acquisition of High-Speed Boat to reinforce services for coastal
security in Nigeria, with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,
NIMASA, as the implementing partner.
This was made known in a statement issued, Wednesday by NIMASA.
The Minister of State Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Prince
Clem Agba signed on behalf of Nigeria, while the Ambassador Extraordinary and
plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga signed on behalf of the
Japanese Government, with the Director General of NIMASA Dr Bashir Jamoh in
attendance.
Prince Agba noted that the procurement of the High Speed Boat worth $2.78
million dollars, will greatly enhance the operations of the Deep Blue project, while
commending the Japanese government for their interest and interventions in
Nigeria for Economic development.
“This project to strengthen the operations of NIMASA will definitely strengthen
the partnership between the Government of Japan and Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
“Nigeria also appreciates the recent exchange of notes we signed for Emergency
Improvement of Electricity Supply Facilities in Abuja, and the role Japan played in
the development of the National Power Development Master-plan designed to
guide the Government on the optimal energy mix and efficiency for Nigeria”. The
Minister said.
On his part, the Director General of NIMASA Dr Bashir Jamoh, assured the
Japanese Government that the Agency, working with relevant stakeholders will
ensure the sustainability of the recent success in the war against piracy in
Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
“This High-Speed Boat is a welcome addition in our growing arsenal of platforms
and assets to reinforce service for coastal security, not only in Nigeria but also in the Gulf of Guinea, as over 60% of shipping activities in the region pass through
Nigerian waters.
“This vessel will be incorporated into the Deep Blue project which already has 2
special Mission Vessels; 2 Special Mission Aircrafts; 3 Special Mission Helicopters;
10 Unmanned Air Systems and vehicles; 17 fast moving interceptor boats; 16
armoured vehicles and the C4i centre.”
Ambassador Matsunaga Kazuyoshi noted the project is to support the measures
adopted by the Nigerian Government to deal with the threat of the blue
economy, to prevent and suppress piracy, armed robbery, and any other unlawful
act against ships in Nigerian waters.
The Ambassador said “in the Gulf of Guinea, as you know, the piracy problem is
hindering the economic development of the coastal areas. A slowdown in
economic development impoverishes the coastal population, forcing some of
them into piracy for their livelihood. We need to break this vicious cycle.”
Economic and Social Development is one of the guiding principles of the Tokyo
International Conference on African Development, TICAD.
“The people and Government of Japan hope this project will enable NIMASA
reinforce their operations and services for coastal security in Nigeria, strengthen
Nigeria’s counter piracy efforts and prove useful for the security of the Gulf of
Guinea.” He added.