The Secretary General of International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Kitack Lim has commended Nigeria for playing a leading role in efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea, saying it will continue to support the country and the region.
Lim was quoted in a statement issued by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as saying that Nigeria has made important contributions to the fight against piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea, with the recent launch of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, also called the Deep Blue Project.
“I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the Nigerian government for its continued contribution towards the endeavours to ensure safe and secure maritime operation in the Gulf of Guinea,” Lim reportedly said.
He said such actions had helped the work of seafarers and improved shipping in the region, while keeping at bay illicit maritime activities.
The IMO secretary general praised Nigeria’s determination to galvanise regional and international energies to rid the country’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea of threats to shipping.
“I am encouraged to envisage the promise of inter-regional cooperation on so many levels. I would like to express my deepest appreciation for Nigeria’s active engagement in all these global and regional initiatives,” Lim said.
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