Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has been working with BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO & INTERTANKO, in collaboration with Nigerian Authorities, in order to improve maritime security and better understand the challenges faced by seafarers.
Post a series of successful meetings with the Nigerian Government, an Industry/NIMASA Joint Working Group (JWG) has been formed of key stakeholders. The working group held their first meeting on 28 May, 2020 and will focus on:
- National and regional security threats to seafarers and shipping
- Facilitating interaction between stakeholders
- Identifying security challenges, gaps and areas for mutual collaboration
- Promoting information sharing, threat awareness and best practise
Joint Working Group (JWG) issues statement
JWG issued a joint statement from the meeting held between the Nigerian Government, oil and shipping industry
The JWG issued a joint statement from the meeting held between the Nigerian Government, the oil industry, and the shipping industry.
As per the statement, on 28 May 2020, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy, the oil industry (represented by OCIMF) and the shipping industry (represented by ICS, BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and the Nigerian Shipowners’ Association) held the first meeting to discuss the existing situation and how to tackle the piracy problem in the Eastern Gulf of Guinea and the daily threats faced by seafarers.
Collaboration between Nigeria and industry in maritime security
The meeting was roundly acknowledged as a significant first step towards strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and industry in increasing maritime security in the region. All attendees reiterated their commitment to cooperate in facilitating the indispensable law enforcement efforts against pirate groups, thus improving the security situation in the Eastern Gulf of Guinea.
It was noted that an improvement in the security situation would pave the way for Nigeria and other states to realise the full potential of their blue economies, while ensuring the safety and security of seafarers.
