The Minister of Defence, Honourable Major General Kachi Magashi (retd) has commended the effort of the Federal government in improving the security architecture within the Gulf of Guinea and other waterways.
The Minister made the commendation on the occasion of inter-agency expert consultative dialogue organized by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNDC) held at the Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi Lagos.
According to him the recently launched Deep Blue project with assets worth over 1995 million dollars and another investment in the acquisition of more patrol vessels and aircraft for the Nigerian Navy are all attestations to the effort and commitment put by the Federal government in tackling insecurity in the nation’s waterways.
Magashi noted that the African continent and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has developed Integrated Maritime Strategies (IMS) as part of the response to the high volume of insecurity within the African Maritime environment.
He explained that the IMS provides a framework for ensuring protection in the course of sustainable exploitation considering Nigeria leading role and commitment to secure and safe African maritime domain.
He explains further that in recognition of the importance of having a comprehensive maritime strategy model to foster secure and sustainable use of maritime domain form the reason for the gathering.
Also, he thanked the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime and the Government of Denmark for their immense contribution and support towards the NMS goal through the Danish government programs for the promotion of inter-agency collaboration and implementation of maritime strategies.
