The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to hold a security summit to probe the resurgence of maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea in spite of heavy investment of $195million in a Maritime Security Contract called Deep Blue Project, anchored by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the effectiveness of the regional effort, GoG-MCF/SHADE, launched by ICC Yaounde and NIMASA in 2021.
The inaugural maritime security summit is tagged MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL 2023).
The association would also use the summit to gather maritime stakeholders to evaluate the Federal Government’s investment of $195Million Deep Blue Project.
A press statement issued by MARAN in Lagos on Thursday informed stakeholders that the MAMAL 2023 which was earlier scheduled to hold on 24th of October 2023 has now been shifted forward to 21st November, 2023.
The association observed that despite the acclaimed successes of the $195million NIMASA Deep Blue Project, there was no meaningful impact on shipping and freight costs because the situation remains uncertain, and the Joint War Risk Committee still classifies Nigerian waters as a war risk zone.
“Notwithstanding the regional collaboration effort, GoG-MCF/SHADE, there has been a resurgence of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, the most recent being an attack on a Marshall Islands-flagged MT Nyon.
“The attack which occured 16 nautical miles south of Conakry, Guinea on June 22nd, 2023, left several crew members with minor injuries,” the statement noted.
According to the statement, the inaugural edition of MAMAL 2023 is themed: “Maritime Security: Emerging Threats and Actionable Steps.
“The theme is targeted at proffering long-term, sustainable solutions that will effectively address maritime crimes in the GoG region and protect seafaring and fishing communities in the affected countries.
“MARAN seeks to clarify why criminality on Nigerian waterways increases in November and December of every year. It has been observed that in the festive season, people resort to crime to ensure they can take care of their families over the holiday season.
“The Nigerian Navy, regional navies and other stakeholders in maritime sector including Shipowners, NIMASA, Shipping Lines, Terminal Operators, Nigerian Shippers Council, major seafarers organisations are all expected to attend the event,” the statement further hinted.