-Commends Nigeria for hosting conference
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for accepting to host the Global Maritime Security conference which it says will go a long way to address concerns of security of the maritime domain of the entire Gulf of Guinea.
This was as the Chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administration, AAMA, Dr Dakuku Peterside confirmed the participation of over 70 countries in the upcoming Global Maritime Security Conference scheduled to hold from the 7th – 9th of October in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Secretary General of OPEC Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, in a statement to the organizing committee of the conference, noted that the Gulf of Guinea is strategic to the stability of oil production globally, adding that the Gulf of Guinea is a major shipping route and any infraction in the area is largely felt beyond the region.
In his words “ The strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea is undisputed and any disruptions in the area have a direct negative impact on our industry and indeed of global concern. This conference is timely in bringing together the relevant and critical stakeholders to allow them to discuss in a constructive manner what concerted action could be undertaken to ensure the sustainable use and long term security of this important and strategic body of ocean”.
Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo also said that the conference will create renewed confidence in investment in the oil and gas sector in the Gulf of Guinea, thus having a multiplier effect of addressing the challenges associated with the sector globally.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administration, AAMA, Dr Dakuku Peterside said the conference provides the platform for stakeholders of all shades to brainstorm and collectively find a to resolve the challenges of maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
Dr Dakuku who is also the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and safety Agency, NIMASA assured participants of a successful event in Nigeria.
The Global Maritime Security Conference 2019 is a high-level Maritime Security Conference to facilitate a clearer understanding of the challenges of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea region and develop tailored solutions as well as coordinate efforts at strengthening regional and international collaborations to extinguish maritime threats in the region.
Expected participants include Relevant Government Ministries And Agencies, Navy and Coast Guards, Regulatory bodies, Maritime Lawyers and Professionals, Foreign Missions and Diplomats, Policy Makers and Researchers Institutions and Nongovernmental Organizations amongst Others
