Japanese Government has reiterated its commitment to contributing to the security of Nigeria, and other West African countries and protecting people’s lives through a variety of measures including capacity building for personnel in charge of maritime safety.
Mr Shinozawa Takayuki, Charge d Affairs ad Interim of Japan to Nigeria, gave the assurance at the opening of a three-week Counter-Piracy Course on the Core Principles and Practice of Combating Piracy, in Abuja.
The course, which started on Tuesday, is being conducted by Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan.
Takayuki said that Japan had in June, signed an agreement with Nigeria to grant high-speed boats to Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The high-speed boats, according to him, will make a significant contribution to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea in the near future.
“In August, Japan hosted the 8th Tokyo International Conference on Africa (TICAD8). In the “Tunis Declaration” that resulted from the conference, Japan emphasized the importance of promoting regional and international efforts related to maritime security
”This includes the fight against maritime crime such as piracy and maintaining a rule-based maritime order in accordance with the principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Furthermore, this project, which begins the Anti-Piracy course today, is one of Japan’s contributions to capacity building, and we hope that the knowledge acquired by the 30 trainees will improve safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
“It is also a project on the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, (FOIP), an initiative of the Japanese Government to build a rules-based international order, free trade, freedom of navigation, and the rule of law, all of which are essential principles for achieving regional stability and prosperity.
“Under the FOIP initiative, the Government of Japan believes that it is extremely important to contribute to the peace and stability of the African region by promoting the use of the oceans as an “international public property” in cooperation with the international community and strengthening the connectivity of Asia and Africa, which are experiencing rapid economic development,” he said.
Takayuki said that ensuring the security of the Gulf of Guinea was also important from the perspective of economic security, adding that trade between Nigeria and Japan had reached one billion dollars annually.
He added that the total amount to date stood at approximately 115 billion yen.
“Therefore, it is necessary to ensure maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, a key trade route in West Africa, in order to facilitate bilateral trade,” he added.
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The Japanese envoy said the Gulf of Guinea was described as the world’s piracy hotspot in 2021 and commended the Nigerian government, military, NIMASA, and other relevant organizations for their continuous efforts in fighting piracy through various initiatives.
He said that countries such as UK and US had been working together with the Nigerian government on security in the Gulf of Guinea.
According to him, research on piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the result of a previous project revealed that the root cause of piracy is economic and employment problems.
“The lack of employment opportunities has led to the widespread practice of turning to piracy for a livelihood. In short, in order to eradicate piracy, we have to eradicate poverty.
”The Government of Japan feels the necessity to promote the fishing industry in the southern states of Nigeria.
“Japan and Nigeria are far apart, but we are connected by the sea.
“Therefore, as a true friend of Nigeria, it can be said that Nigeria’s matter is Japan’s matter.
“I wish to reassure everyone here that the Government of Japan, in cooperation with other countries, continues to contribute to the peace and stability of the Gulf of Guinea, for the livelihood of the Nigerian people, and for regional economic stability,” he said.
Also speaking, the head of governance for Peace UNDP, Mattew Alao, said the project would contribute towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which aims at promoting peace.
“The Counter Piracy project, which is being implemented by the Centre, will assist the Gulf of Guinea Countries to further strengthen their institutional effectiveness, inclusiveness, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness, as well as reinforce synergies and partnership amongst them to combat maritime crimes; promote international trades, and ensure the economic stability of the member states and of the local communities in the region.
“Furthermore, the project will contribute towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 16 which aims to promote peace and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective and accountable institutions at all levels. It will help to reduce the prevalence of extremism, violent crimes, and exclusion. The cross-cutting themes embedded in the project, such as gender, human rights, international humanitarian law, and rule of law amongst others will enable the creation of just and peaceful societies.”
In his remarks, the Assistant Director of training, Navy Headquarters, Captain Nsikan Friday, said the Nigerian Navy, was always ready to battle piracy, he as well urged participants to maximize all information that will help in curbing piracy.
He said there was a reduction in piracy activities in the GoG.
