By Enyeribe Anyanwu
The Nigerian Navy has counseled maritime industry stakeholders, including the Navy to use the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, (MARAN’s), upcoming annual lecture as a rallying point to present a united front and articulate a fact-based position against the continued war risk insurance imposed on Nigerian-bound vessels.
Throwing the navy’s weight behind MARAN’s campaign to end the continued war risk insurance surcharges following the country’s significant maritime security improvements, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, said fiscal interests of several international players have prevented the removal of WRI despite the restoration of piracy-free status of the nation’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea region for over three years.
“Nigeria has not recorded a single piracy incident in almost four years. There’s no justifiable reason why our shipping activities should still be subjected to war risk premiums. This country belongs to all of us, and if it’s good for me, it’s good for you. We must work together to address this problem,” he said.
He described the continued classification of Nigeria as a high-risk maritime zone as “unjust” and “unsubstantiated”.
He underscored the need for collaborative action to project Nigeria’s maritime progress and challenge the lingering economic burdens imposed by foreign interests.
Describing MARAN as a critical partner in Nigeria’s economic survival, Rear Admiral Oamen said relations between the Navy and the media, especially MARAN has been fully restored in order to project the developments in the sector.
He, however, emphasized that although the Navy is not directly responsible for foreign policy matters or international representations, it is committed to contributing its voice to any forum that seeks to redress the injustice MARAN is fighting.
The Western Naval boss explained that the country’s improved maritime safety was a result of robust naval presence, enhanced surveillance, strategic international collaborations, joint exercises, and the deployment of advanced platforms and air assets.
“We have made the waters hostile for pirates. There is now better maritime domain awareness through technologies like Falcon Eye, which allows us to monitor our waters in real-time,” he stressed.
Rear Admiral Oamen urged MARAN to engage more strategically with government agencies responsible for Nigeria’s representation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
He called for strong documentation and coordinated communication from stakeholders such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“If it were the Navy, we would have taken this issue headlong. But we must collectively push the relevant agencies to take this matter to the appropriate international platforms.”
Responding to MARAN requests, the FOC pledged the Navy’s support and full representation at the upcoming event. “Rest assured that the Navy will participate fully. We will also use the opportunity to share the efforts and investments made to secure our maritime environment,” he affirmed.
Earlier, the President of MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere and his team had lauded the Navy’s proactive posture to tackle piracy and welcomed the suggestion to escalate the issue.
The MARAN President explained the details of this year’s annual lecture, and assured that MARAN would send an official letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and ensure that industry stakeholders are available at the summit to advocate immediate diplomatic engagement at the IMO and other global decision-making bodies.
Photo: Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, FOC, Western Naval Command
More Stories
“Unfair, shortsighted”, Peter Obi criticizes $1bn planned upgrade of Lagos ports
No Nigerian container port in top four African ranking ….as Lome Port makes the list
Clarion Shipping unveils MV Ocean Dragon to Lagos importers, freight forwarders