The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reassured the international community of Nigeria’s dedication to fostering a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Atlantic region.
Speaking at the “Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Summit”, a side event at the 2024 United Nations General Assembly in New York, chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Mobereola emphasised the importance of sustainable exploration of the Atlantic for the collective benefit of all regional countries.
Mobereola highlighted Nigeria’s transformative role in the Atlantic Cooperation, noting, “Nigeria’s participation in the Atlantic Cooperation has reshaped how our government contributes to global policies for a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous Atlantic region.”
He also referenced a recent international workshop on Deep Seabed activities, where Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to developing a legal and regulatory framework for deep-sea mining, aimed at driving sustainable economic growth.
In collaboration with key global partners such as the United States, the European Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations, Nigeria is working to secure its coastline and ensure the safe passage of goods and people, promoting regional economic integration.
Mobereola further engaged participants on Nigeria’s unique perspective on funding, governance complexities, and technological advancements. He assured the gathering that Nigeria, under its current administration, remains focused on building a robust marine and Blue Economy industry.
During the session, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the Atlantic Ocean’s vital role in global security and prosperity, stating that all nations bordering the Atlantic have a direct stake in its future.
“Together, we’re fostering greater connections and coordination between our governments, civil societies, private sectors, and scientific communities to address joint challenges. We’re helping one another harness new technologies to tackle common threats,” Blinken said.
Since its launch, the Atlantic Partnership has expanded to include 42 member states, representing over 75% of the Atlantic coastline. The summit drew participants from Africa, Europe, North and South America, and the Caribbean, all united in addressing shared challenges and advancing collective principles.
Members endorsed a “Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation”, committing to engagement based on international law, mutual collaboration, and respect for differences in capacity and political perspectives, while acknowledging the special role of Atlantic states in shaping the region’s future.
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