The British Navy SO2 Maritime, Cdr. Daniel Waskett, on Tuesday, said effective collaboration on maritime safety and security would enhance the development of a blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Mr Waskett said this during a round table discussion at the 9th Edition of the Lagos International Maritime Week 2024.

He said the strategy of the UK was to establish long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with African nations to build and share interests for a safer and healthier future for all.

“Tensions in Europe are extremely high which demands constant protection of home waters and support to NATO. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy is committed to maintaining a presence in the Indo-Pacific region, assisting island nations in protecting their territorial waters and resources.

“Yet the GOG is an integral part of international maritime security, and success here brings dividends not just to African partners but worldwide. Thus, collaboration on the security of the GOG remains a fundamental part of UK’s strategy,” Mr Waskett said.

He said the UK supported multilateral fora on maritime security.

“This includes ECOWAS, the African Union, the Gulf of Guinea Commission and the Yaounde Architecture,” he said.

Mr Waskett said the support included the regular provision of funding, embedded liaison officers, and support for exercises. He said the UK was keen to coordinate better with other regional partners to harmonise training.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, said Nigeria had worked to prevent the smuggling of hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction into the Gulf of Guinea.

Mr Ogalla said the navy had taken critical steps toward ensuring that the blue economy was not compromised by illicit activities that could have devastating environmental and security consequences.

He said the Nigerian government remained committed to fostering safety and security across its maritime domain.

“Through the enactment of enabling laws, capacity-building initiatives and collaboration with national and international partners. We are steadily navigating the future of our blue economy. The Nigerian Blue Economy Strategic Roadmap seeks to position the country as a leader in maritime transport, offshore energy, fisheries and tourism, all of which depend on a secure and safe marine environment,” he said.

The assistant inspector general of police (Maritime Police Command), Rhoda Olofu, said the command was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the security and safety of the maritime domain.

She said the maritime space was waterways crucial to Nigeria’s economy and Africa’s broader maritime sector.

(NAN)