By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Japanese government has granted Nigeria the sum of $2.78 million financial aid for the procurement of high speed boats for the economic and social development programme of the the government.
Specifically, the project is to reinforce operations and service for coastal security in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Speaking at the Signing of the Exchange Notes between the Federal government and the Japanese government in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba described the gesture as another giant strides to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
He said, “it is heartwarming to note that the Government of Japan government is supporting Nigeria’s security infrastructure ‘Deep Blue Project to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea”.
According to him, the project which was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari, “aims at addressing decades of piracy and other maritime crimes, which had been a matter of serious concern”, adding that “these crimes had also led to Nigerian shippers being surcharged by multinational shipping lines bringing goods into the country”.
Agba noted that with the launch of the Deep Blue Project, Nigeria appears more prepared to wage war against piracy and other related maritime crimes on the nation’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea as well as strengthen Nigeria’s counter piracy efforts.
Agba who commended the Japanese government for the gesture, recalled that Nigeria’s recent removal from the Piracy list by the International Maritime Bureau as a result of the collective efforts of various stakeholders within and outside the country including support from the international community, “has promoted the image of the country to the rest of the world”.
In his remarks, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi disclosed that his government embarked on the project to the stem the piracy problem in the Gulf of Guinea which has been hindering the economic development of the coastal areas.
His words, “a slowdown in economic development impoverishes the coastal population, forcing some of them into piracy for their livelihood. We need to break this vicious circle.
He said he was impressed by the Federal government’s determination and leadership in eradicating piracy, adding, “we are very much looking forward to the procurement of the maritime security equipment (highspeed boats) that will further support the “Deep blue Project ” of the Nigerian government.
“We believe that our cooperation will reduce the number of piracy incidents stimulate economic activities in Coastal areas, and lift the residents of the coastal area out of poverty”.
Also speaking, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh said the High Speed boats is a welcome addition “in our growing arsenal of platforms and assets to reinforce Service for coastal security not only in Nigeria but also in the Gulf of Guinea” as over 60% of shipping activities is for the region pass through Nigerian waters”.
