UNGA: NIMASA DG Engages US Secretary of States, Others at Partnership For Atlantic Cooperation
The sideline session at the 2024 United Nati5ons General Assembly in New York, which was chaired by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, offered an opportunity for the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA Dr Dayo Mobereola to lend his voice to global issues. During his presentation at the partnership for Atlantic cooperation summit, he assured the international community of the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Atlantic region. This Mobereola noted should be explored in a sustainable manner for the benefits of all the countries in the region.
According to Mobereola “Nigeria’s participation in the Atlantic Cooperation has had a transformative effect on how our government is contributing to shaping acceptable global policies and agendas for a more secure, sustainable and prosperous Atlantic region. We recently organised an international workshop on Deep Sea-bed activities, where our government reaffirms commitment to develop a legal and regulatory framework for deep-sea mining, driving sustainable economic growth.
Furthermore, the NIMASA boss noted that “Nigeria is also working closely with critical developmental partners such as the United States, the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations to protect our coastline and ensure the safe passage of goods and people, promoting regional economic integration”.
The NIMASA DG equally engaged participants on Nigeria’s unique perspectives on funding, governance complexity, and technological advancement amongst other issues with an assurance that Nigeria under the current administration is focused on developing a virile marine and Blue Economy industry.
Interestingly, the United States Secretary of States, Antony Blinken who chaired the session noted that the Atlantic Ocean is vital to every nation of the world, stating that all countries bothering the ocean have direct stake in this joint venture. “Together, we’re fostering greater connections and coordination between our governments, between our civil societies, our private sectors, our scientific communities – laying the groundwork to find and to share solutions to these joint challenges. We’re helping one another harness new technologies to address common threats”. He stated.
It would be recalled that since its launch, the Atlantic Partnership has grown to forty-two members, representing more than 75 percent of the Atlantic coastline. Countries from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean participated at the session to address shared challenges, promote common solutions, and advance collective principles.
At the session, members endorsed a Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation promising engagement on the basis of international law, existing national and international legal frameworks, mutual collaboration, and respect for differences in capacity and political perspective, as well as acknowledged the special role and primary interest of Atlantic states in the Atlantic.