Nigeria and the Republic of Korea on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of Maritime security and safety.
Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, signed on behalf of Nigeria while the Director General, International Affairs and Intelligence Bureau, Korean Coast Guard, Seonggi Kang, signed on behalf of Korea.
The MoU which provides a framework for NIMASA and the Korean Coast Guard is to develop, Coordinate and Monitor the implementation of maritime security and safety between both organisations.
Specifically, the NIMASA, Korean Coast Guard MoU, which is for an initial period of five years, will be automatically renewed for another five years unless either participant withdraws from it six months before the expiration.
And it covers Capacity Building, Information Sharing, Search and Rescue Liaison and establishment of hotlines for direct communication at all times.
During the signing, Dr Jamoh said the MoU will be implemented to the best interest of both countries adding that it will ultimately enhance safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.
According to Jamoh, “the relationship between Nigeria and Korean spans over many decades. This MoU which started with a statement of intent in 2018 is designed to reinforce the commitment of both countries to grow bilateral trade through maritime.”
Commenting on the emergence of Nigeria’s Dr Paul Adalikwu as the newly elected Secretary General of the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr Jamoh said that it is another testimony of the trust the international community now bestow on Nigeria’s leadership role in the African maritime sector.
Dr Jamoh also used the occasion to call on the Korean Government to support Nigeria’s quest to return to Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) during the elections scheduled for the first week of December in London.
“It is worthy of note that Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in the West and Central Africa region is seeking election into council in category C at the IMO. We trust you will convey our message to your home country on the need to support Nigeria,” he added.
On his part, the Director for International and Intelligence Bureau of the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), Seonggi Kang, commended Nigeria for its commitment to the growth of the maritime industry.
He said, “we are impressed with Nigerian Government commitment to safety and security in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea. We shall convey your message seeking support for return to Council at the IMO to our home country based on conviction.
Seonggi Kang expressed optimism that the MoU will assist in addressing some issues in the Nigerian Maritime domain.
According to him, “there are a lot of concerns in the Gulf of Guinea, especially with piracy and illegal fishing. We hope by signing this MoU, these challenges and others will be resolved.”
