Patience Leonard, PBA Journalism MenteeGiven the activities of the Nigerian Navy in the Gulf of Guinea, Chattam House has advised Nigerian Government to start convincing big insurance companies in the world to do business with the country.
This formed part of the discussion during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and UK team at Chatam House in London on Wednesday.
Chattam House also known as Royal Institute of International Affairs is an independent policy institute with over a hundred-year existence. With its headquarters located in London, the institute’s experts are known for independent analyses, debates and dialogues bordering on international issues.
The global think-tank commended the Nigerian Government and its military for securing the Gulf of Guinea for safe operations.
The team led by Dr Alex Vines, Managing Director Risk, Ethics and Resilience/Director, Africa Programme, of Chattam House, called on the Federal Government to boost its blue economy by leveraging the decline in piracy activities at the Gulf of Guinea.
He argued that “With what the military, Nigeria Navy in particular, has achieved in the Gulf of Guinea, the next step will be to convince the major insurance companies in the world to start doing business with Nigeria.”
Dr Vines further stated that “Ships will be freely plying the route to the advantage of boosting Nigeria’s blue economy.”
In a media interview, after the meeting, Lai Mohammed who appreciated the recommendation, described the Chattam House as one of the most respected think-tanks in the world adding that it was a privilege having a discussion with them.
“We exchanged view on the happenings in Nigeria.
“We went further to discuss security, economy and I was amazed about how well informed they were about Nigeria.
“I am also impressed about how sympathetic and appreciative of the efforts of this administration in the areas of economy, security and providing infrastructure.
“It was a very healthy exchange for both parties”, Muhammed stated.
Why Gulf Of Guinea?
The Gulf of Guinea has its source from the Atlantic Ocean and River Niger, with various basins in West African countries such as Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea etc.
The Gulf is known as an important shipping zone transporting oil and gas, as well as goods to and from Africa to other parts of the world.
It became the world’s most dangerous maritime zone in 2020, as attacks on oil tankers by pirates rose.
Following the example of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), maritime piracy emerged with the first armed insurgency movements against the federal government of Nigeria and oil companies in the Niger Delta.
Reports have it that around 10 armed groups operating in the area, mainly focused on hijacking tankers, oil assets and pipeline sabotage.
According to International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the largest and most lucrative activity of the insurgents between 2019 and 2020, accounted for 90% per cent of global incidents with the increase in kidnapping of crew members by 40 per cent.
An international force was later deployed in the Gulf to curb the attacks.
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