Denmark seeks partnership with Nigeria on maritime security, blue economy

Denmark on Tuesday in Abuja expressed readiness to partner with the Nigerian Government towards advancing maritime security and blue economy.

Mr Jakob Tange, Denmark`s Special Representative for Maritime Security, said this when he led a Danish delegation to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

According to him, the two countries have a lot to gain from each other in terms or infrastructure, skills and research and development among others regarding maritime security and blue economy.

“ Nigeria is really great in marine economy and power. Denmark is known as very strong in marine security all over the world.

“President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigerian is now opened to foreign investment in blue economy. Denmark wants to partner with Nigeria toward developing blue economy, “Tange said.

Earlier, Mr Babatunde Bombata, Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy affirmed that Nigeria was ready to deepen bilateral relations with Denmark.

According to him, the outcome of the bilateral meeting would strengthen Nigeria-Denmark cooperation on maritime security and blue economy.

“I believe that this meeting and the technical session will provide the platform to deliberate on ways to strengthen ties in maritime security, blue economy and port development.

“I thank you for your attention. I wish you all a very fruitful deliberation, “ he said.

Speaking, Mr Bashir Jamoh, the Director- General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said that investment in research would play a major role in harnessing Nigeria`s potentials.

He said the reopening of the NIMASA Lokoja office is part of efforts to harness the blue economy, enhance collaboration and promote Research and Development.

“ Our goal is to establish the nexus in maximizing the use of available resources in the nation`s inland waters and over 200 nautical miles of ocean resources.

“The Blue Economy has come to stay. In terms of gains and benefits, it will grow national Gross Domestic Product and improve the well- being of the citizen’s economy“ he said.

Jamoh said the Federal Government was committed to creating the enabling environment for investors to thrive in the strategic sector.