21 August 2013, Lagos – Nigeria will later this month play host to other African countries to the maiden Offshore Patrol Vessels, OPV, Conference, which will bring together various stakeholders who have a role to play in the multi-lateral approach to increasing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
According to the statement signed by the Naval Director of Information, DINFO, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu, the event, which will be organised by the Nigerian Navy in partnership with the International Quality and Productivity Centre (IQPC) will hold from August 27-29, 2013 in Lagos.
Aliyu said the conference is a forum for heads of African Navies and global maritime experts to discuss and proffer solutions to contemporary maritime security challenges in Africa particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
He disclosed that the theme of the conference is ‘Delivering Maritime Security to Africa’, and would be graced by major stakeholders in defence, oil, gas and maritime security including the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Olusola Obada, who will be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, with the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba as the Chief Host.
Others include Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; National Security Adviser, Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd); Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim; Service Chiefs and Inspector General of Police; Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Andrew Yakubu; Country Chair Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, as well as the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi.
According to the Naval Spokesman, the conference is aimed at achieving the generation of cost – effective options for African navies and coast guards on Offshore Patrol Vessels acquisition; and identification of viable partners on capacity building.
He said: “The participants will also look at the generation of relevant proposal for African States, navies and coast guards on capacity building on vessels construction and maritime domain awareness solutions. Promotion of understanding and support of the ship building industry to the political level initiative of African States towards improving maritime security in Africa.”
“The OPV Conference will culminate into an Oil and Gas Security Focus Day on August 29. This focus day will bring together the various stakeholders who have a role to play in the multi-lateral approach to increasing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea”, he added.
– Senator Iroegbu, This Day
