This is contained in a statement signed jointly by Lt. Cdr Way Olabisi for Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Mr Karounwi Adekunle, Special Adviser Media to the NSA.
It listed the participating agencies to include the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Port Authority, Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The statement said that the office was working in conjunction with the European Critical Maritime Routes in the Gulf of Guinea (CRIMGO) to enhance inter-agency cooperation in maritime crisis situation.
“ The training exercise, which is being hosted by the Headquarters Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos, focuses on four specific objectives.
“These are; building a common understanding of the scale of the threat in the Gulf of Guinea and the need to address it among the countries in the region and the international community.
“Helping governments of the region build robust institutions, maritime administrations and multi-agency capabilities to ensure maritime awareness, security and the rule of law along the coast.
”Supporting prosperous economies in the region in line with national and regional development strategies,
“To create employment and assist vulnerable communities to build resilience and resist criminal or violent activities.
“Strengthening cooperation between the countries of the region and the regional organisations to enable them to take the necessary actions to mitigate the threats at sea and on land. ” it said.
The statement explained that the training, which is ongoing since May 8, would terminate with a joint sea exercise, code named ‘EXERCISE AJOWA’ on May 12, at a location 8 nautical miles South East of the Lagos Fairway Bouy. (NAN)
