The International Maritime Organisation has delisted Nigeria from the list of piracy endemic countries.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Yakubu Wambai made this known in Lagos when a delegation from Indian Defence College visited him.
He said that the feat was achieved through the commitment of the Federal Government and the support of agencies and international collaborators in March this year.
The Naval boss said that Nigeria which used to be a hot bed for pirates is now a no go area as there are platforms that enable the Navy and those of other countries to police the Gulf of Guinea where pirates have always held sway.
He said that countries along the Gulf of Guinea established seven Zonal Commands to tackle piracy and that Nigeria is in the “E” Zone of the Command with headquarters at Cotonou.
According to Rear Admiral Wambai, on many occasions, Nigerian Navy have had to go to Cotonou and other places for rescue.
He said that the security archetecture in the E Zone is formidable which was why there is drastic reduction in piracy on the Nigerian side.
According to him, ninety percent of global trade is on water, hence the water must be protected from pirates for trade to boom.
Rear Admiral Yakubu Wambai also received a delegation of the French Naval Ship Bobbe that is in the country for technical support in hydrographic training.
He said that the Nigerian Navy having acquired NNS NANA has begun hydrographic audit of her waters.
Rear Admiral Wambai recalled that the last time Nigeria did hydrographic audit was about eight years ago.
The French Defense Attache to Nigeria, Colonel Dujon Guillaume said that France is happy collaborating with Nigeria.
He said that France is happy playing a role in the development of Nigeria and especially in the blue economy.
The Commanding Officer of the French Naval Ship BORBE, Lieutenant Commodore Pierre Henry Lavergne said that they have been in the country for four days on technical support programme.
By Fabian Anawo
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