President Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the Navy for improving maritime security in the nation’s waters, prompting the delisting of Nigeria from countries affected by sea pirates.
Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi expressed delight with the development while addressing participants at the International Maritime Conference held in Onne, Rivers state, with the theme: “Optimising Collaboration for Maritime Security and Socio-Economic Development in Africa,”
The conference was organised by the Nigeria Navy to commemorate its 66th anniversary.
However, it was reported that the International Maritime Bureau, IMB had on March 3 removed Nigeria from its sea piracy list.
The Nigerian Leader said the country was able to exit the list through the collaborative efforts of the Navy and also expressed pleasure that about 35 foreign navies had agreed to partner Nigeria’s navy to further secure the Gulf of Guinea maritime space.
Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, said the inter-navy collaborative operation against criminals in the region was timely and that the negative impact of crimes in the region affected both littoral and land-locked countries.
