THE Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, has been honoured with an award of excellence for his unrelenting anti piracy efforts by the Nigeria- Sao Tome & Principe Investment Forum in Abuja.
According to the organisers, Jamoh’s sustained drive to ensure maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea is contributing immensely to the economy of both countries.
They also lauded the DG’s hands on deck mobilisation moves at ensuring many stakeholders are brought in to contribute in the fight against all forms of maritime crimes, including unregulated fishing in both countries areas of maritime interests
In his response, Jamoh described the award as another challenge to renew his commitment against maritime insecurity to strengthen economies of Nigeria and Sao Tome & Principe.
He aldo thanked the Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, Joge Lopez Born Jesus, who graced the occasion, for his support in the anti piracy campaign.
Jamoh said: ” We at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) thank you for this honour and see it as a call to renew our commitment at ensuring improved policing of our waters.
“This is a great honour and you are putting us to a greater task. We have been battling with the issue of maritime insecurity. The award is reminding us to keep working for both countries’ maritime interests because we have common borders.
” We are indeed highly encouraged in our efforts to achieve a lasting solution to this challenge. I want to specially thank Your Excellency, the Prime Minister of Sao Tome for your encouragement and guidance in our joint efforts” the DG said after receiving the award plaque
Nigeria shares special maritime business interest with Sao Tome and Principe regulated by a treaty backed joint development authority domiciled in Abuja.