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The Nigerian Navy has thrown its weight behind the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in its campaign to end the persistent war risk insurance surcharges imposed on vessels calling at Nigerian ports, despite the country’s significant maritime security improvements.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by MARAN members to the Western Naval Command, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, described the association as a critical partner in Nigeria’s economic survival.
Oamen stressed that fiscal interests of several international players have prevented the removal of WRI despite the restoration of piracy-free status of the nation’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea region for over 3 years.
He underscored the need for collaborative action to project Nigeria’s maritime progress and challenge the lingering economic burdens imposed by foreign interests.
“Nigeria has not recorded a single piracy incident in almost four years. There’s no justifiable reason why our shipping activities should still be subjected to war risk premiums. This country belongs to all of us, and if it’s good for me, it’s good for you. We must work together to address this problem.”
The Rear Admiral reiterated that relations between the Navy and the media, especially maritime reporters, has been fully restored in order to project the developments in the sector.
He, however, emphasized that although the Navy is not directly responsible for foreign policy matters or international representations, it is committed to contributing its voice to any forum that seeks to redress the injustice.
The Western Naval boss explained that the Navy’s role has been instrumental in ridding the Gulf of Guinea of piracy, thanks to enhanced surveillance, strategic international collaborations, joint exercises, and the deployment of advanced platforms and air assets.
“We have made the waters hostile for pirates. There is now better maritime domain awareness through technologies like Falcon Eye, which allows us to monitor our waters in real-time.”
Rear Admiral Oamen urged MARAN to engage more strategically with government agencies responsible for Nigeria’s representation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
He called for strong documentation and coordinated communication from stakeholders such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Referencing Nigeria’s IMO representation from NIMASA, the naval chief said, “If it were the Navy, we would have taken this issue headlong. But we must collectively push the relevant agencies to take this matter to the appropriate international platforms.”
He opined that MARAN’s upcoming annual lecture should serve as a rallying point for all maritime stakeholders, including the Navy, to present a united front and articulate a fact-based position against the continued war risk insurance.
Earlier, the President of MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere and his team lauded the Navy’s proactive posture to tackle piracy and welcomed the suggestion to escalate the issue.
He assured that MARAN would send an official letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and ensure that all too industry stakeholders are available at the summit to advocate immediate diplomatic engagement at the IMO and other global decision makers.
