NIMASA calls for removal of War Risk Insurance premiums on Nigeria-bound cargoes
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed concern that, despite the country’s substantial investment in maritime security, Nigeria-bound cargoes continue to attract War Risk Insurance premiums.
Speaking on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, urged the international community to reconsider the continued imposition of War Risk Insurance premiums, given the significant reduction in piracy incidents within Nigerian waters.
Represented by the Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Hon. Chudi Offodile, Mobereola stated, “We have collaborated with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre and have engaged in capacity development initiatives alongside the Centre. We hope to strengthen this collaboration further, particularly in areas of conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and security.
“We also anticipate exchange programmes between NIMASA and Danish maritime institutions to facilitate knowledge sharing.
“In November 2023, we partnered with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre to conduct a media training programme. Since then, there has been a noticeable improvement in maritime reporting by Nigerian journalists. The media plays a vital role in maritime awareness, and NIMASA remains committed to supporting capacity development in this area.”
Speaking on maritime security, he highlighted the Deep Blue Project, commissioned in 2021, as a key intervention that has significantly reduced piracy and kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea.
“One of the critical issues we must examine is the international community’s response to Nigeria’s efforts in tackling maritime insecurity. How has the global community acknowledged and supported Nigeria’s actions in addressing piracy and kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea?
“The statistics are clear. Since the launch of the Deep Blue Project, piracy and kidnapping incidents have seen a drastic decline, and in some periods, they have been completely eliminated.
“Additionally, the Yaoundé Architecture remains a crucial regional framework for achieving collective maritime security goals. However, despite our progress, Nigeria has yet to see a corresponding reduction in War Risk Insurance premiums and freight costs.
“These are matters we hope the international community will address. We trust that with your visit, the Danish government will consider these concerns. There should be a tangible response that acknowledges and appreciates Nigeria’s achievements in this regard.
“As we continue our discussions, we look forward to learning how we can improve our efforts.”
Speaking earlier, the leader of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation, Ms Kristin Skov-Spilling, noted that their visit aimed to assess Nigeria’s cooperation with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.
“Nigeria is a key player in this sector, and we are honoured by your willingness to engage with us.
“The Kofi Annan Centre not only conducts training but also carries out research and capacity development from a regional perspective. The insights from their research are beneficial to all stakeholders, particularly in strengthening institutional frameworks like the Yaoundé Architecture.
“We also have a military cooperation programme, with Danish military attachés stationed in Accra and Abuja to support these initiatives.
“Today, we are particularly interested in hearing about your experiences with the Kofi Annan Centre—what has worked well, any challenges encountered, and suggestions for future improvements.
“We are also keen to understand how Nigeria views the Code of Practice regarding women in the maritime sector. More broadly, it is essential for us to hear Nigeria’s perspective on maritime security, given the significant role the country plays in the region.”
