U.S Consul-General, Mr Jeffery Hawkins, has urged the Nigerian Federal government to rededicate itself to making the Gulf of Guinea safer for maritime activities.
Hawkins said in statement in Lagos yesterday that it was imperative for the government to urgently work toward overcoming present challenges of insecurity and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The Gulf of Guinea is fast becoming a zone where there is insufficient and inconsistent enforcement of regulatory laws.
U.S Consul-General, Mr Jeffery Hawkins, has urged the Nigerian Federal government to rededicate itself to making the Gulf of Guinea safer for maritime activities.
Hawkins said in statement in Lagos yesterday that it was imperative for the government to urgently work toward overcoming present challenges of insecurity and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The Gulf of Guinea is fast becoming a zone where there is insufficient and inconsistent enforcement of regulatory laws.
“The Gulf of Guinea saw a significant increase in piracy and armed robbery at sea in 2012.
“And these are challenges that must be confronted and addressed immediately. There is no time to waste,’’ he said.
The Consul-General said that the challenges would require appropriate “strategies and initiatives’’.
Hawkins also advised the Federal government to close ranks with shipping companies, relevant government regulatory agencies and its international partners in fighting the situation.
“The U.S strongly believes that Nigeria can meet these challenges.
“It is important for the government take urgent steps, to be able to eliminate security threats along the Gulf of Guinea''.
Hawkins pledged the U.S government’s readiness to continue to support Nigeria in promoting maritime security in the area.
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