The Government of Japan has expressed willingness to work with UNDP and other partners to combat maritime crime and other criminal activities in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) and in particular, West Africa.
Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga said this virtually at the closing of the Anti-Piracy and Prevention of Maritime Crimes Course 5/2023 in Lagos.
The training was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the support of Japanese government in collaborating with Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC).
According to the envoy, the Gulf of Guinea is an important trade route in West Africa, so maritime security in the Gulf is very important for improving trade relations between Japan and West Africa.
”The Gulf of Guinea has been considered a global insecured route, however, since 2021, the security situation has greatly improved.
”The Government of Japan is committed to contributing to the security of West Africa and to protecting people’s life through a variety of measures including capacity building for personnel in checking maritime crimes.
”The Government of Japan together with international partner and the UNDP will continue to contribute to preserve the security in the Gulf of Guinea to the livelihood of the African people and to economics growth and prosperity,” he said.
He lauded the Nigerian government, military, maritime and security agency and other stakeholders for their continuous effort in fighting piracy to the barest minimum in the GoG coastal area.
”The improved security has increased the interest of Japanese companies in West Africa.
”For example, the Lagos International Trade Fair attracted 33 Japanese companies in last month.
“As Nigeria and West Africa as a whole become more stable, more Japanese companies will invest in the region,” he said.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu, said that piracy in the high seas was a threat to all and anything that affects global commerce peace and security.
Nwatu said that it was important that we be kept abreast with the current continental initiatives to support the motion of peace and security.
The FOC extended the appreciation of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla to the kind opportunity presented to the participants.
“In line with the collective security theory, the African Union has been supporting in programmes led by the Nigerian Navy.
“This is to ensure some kind of collective arrangement with our brother Navies and coast guards across the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
Nwatu said that the idea was for partners and international countries within the Gulf of Guinea to maintain regional presence within their areas to have seamless access across the boarders.
“We have left the era of sporadic acts of piracy and if you check the statistics today from international agencies and our own records, you will see that some reasonable gains have been made.
“I commend everyone for this initiative and pray that more of such programme remains available for us to synergies and work towards global peace and security within the Gulf of Guinea,” the FOC said.
