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FG To Collaborate With China On Technology Transfer, Intelligence Sharing

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that Federal Government would collaborate with China Government in Technology transfer, Intelligence sharing and Military training in it quest to tackle insecurity in the country.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director ( Information &PR )in a press release said, the Minister stated this when he received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Nigeria on a courtesy visit to Ship House, Abuja.

He said there has been a lot of working relationship with the Chinese companies on transfer of technology and talk on Military equipment production.

According to him, the interest of the Government of China to cooperate with Nigeria in the areas of technology transfer and training was overwhelming.

“I was in China to attend a forum which was very successful and we had a very good discussion centered on the transfer of technology, military training and the protection of the interest of China Corporations in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking further, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is passionate with Private sector involvement in the renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just signed the Defence Industry Act as a guide on the development of the Defence Industry. The Act provides a level playing grounds for all investors,” he said.

He called on the Ambassador to encourage more investors into Nigeria economy. “We need serious investors in steel, power and energy to help actualize our defence industry technology. Mr President understand the need for development for private sector to prosper. We are open to power, steel and defence industry to have these investments actualized in the country. Chinese companies have the potential and technology to invest in our country,” he said.

Earlier in his remark, the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun said China has strategic interest on cooperation with Nigeria in areas of Military operations, economy cooperation and international cooperation.

He said China and Nigeria have investment in security, education and economy, adding that; “Nigeria has great potential to develop new economy.”

He opined that Nigeria has abundant natural and human resources that can support China Corporations based in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a large country just like China and we are willing to build our Military Industries in Nigeria to support local production of Military equipment,” he said.

According to him, the Chinese companies would not only boost the fight against insurgency and other related crimes in Nigeria, but would also boost the Federal Government’s drive on employment generation.

Ministerial deliverables: Marine and Blue Economy Ministry holds crucial retreat as Funtua Dry Port nears completion

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has organized a retreat aimed at evaluating its performance index with the set parameters of performance (KPI) established by the federal government.

According to a report written by Jefe Precious Ufuoma-Jeremiah and signed by Olujimi Oyetomi Director, Press & Public Relations on Wednesday disclosed that it is aimed at cascading the directive of Mr. President on set targets and goals of the Ministry.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola stated, “This 2023 Ministerial Retreat, is however, unique as it provides us with a platform to relate with ourselves as a sector with a view to understanding our roles as a key sector within the Nigerian Economy, as well as to brainstorm on strategies needed to achieve our mandate and functions.”

Oyetola recalled that President Bola Tinubu had at the presidential retreat, signed a performance bond with cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries to track records of KPIs for all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

The Minister revealed that the performance bond would be cascaded down to the directors of the ministry and chief executive officers (CEOs) of all the agencies under the Ministry.

Oyetola urged participants at the retreat to put in their best and come up with ideas on how to achieve their KPIs, adding that the president is determined to see that Nigerians get the dividends of democracy.

His words: “As you are aware, Mr. President, in the just concluded presidential retreat, signed a performance bond with the cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries. One of the key performance indicators of this meeting is to cascade the signed bond to the ministry’s directors and chief executive officers (CEOs) of the ministry’s agencies.”

Oyetola further revealed that in Mr. President’s speech, “he stated emphatically that the Result Delivery Unit in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was established to track the performance of the signed bond.

“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. President wants to see tangible results and our shared responsibility to serve the people. The maritime sector stands as a reservoir of immense potential, not only for economic growth but also for diversifying our revenue source and generating abundant employment opportunities for Nigerians, ” he said.

The Minister also disclosed that the Funtua Dry Inland Port is nearing completion as it was scheduled to be ready in 2024.

He challenged the participants to rise to the occasion to see that the set time of the project was achieved.

“I am convinced we have what it takes to deliver on our KPIs. We are, therefore, gathered here to brainstorm on how to deliver on the KPIs. For instance, three months ago, I was told that the Funtua Inland Dry Port was at an 80 percent completion stage. Considering that we are expected to deliver this particular project in the first quarter of next year, it would be interesting to hear from the Nigerian Shippers Council how this can be achieved in record time”, he added.

AAlsospeaking at the retreat, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Magdalene Anjani said the retreat was designed to provide a veritable platform for the top management officials of the ministry and its agencies to cross-fertilize ideas on how to galvanize the marine sector to meet the set goals and objectives of the ministry.

“It is worthy to note that the Honourable Minister has signed a Performance bond with Mr. President, which will serve as a scorecard for the Ministry. This bond comes with its initiatives, deliverables, Key Performance Indicators, timelines, and target, which the sector must unconditionally achieve.”

The P.S added: “Therefore, it is imperative that we all come together to critically understand this performance bond, and the variables and be acquainted with what is expected of us to achieve as a ministry/agency particularly as the Maritime sector has proven to be one of the critical sector that is at the heart of the economic growth and prosperity of Nigeria”

Dr. Ajani highlighted the variables in the performance bond signed by the minister. She maintained that the maritime sector is a key catalyst to GDP growth, economic diversification, and revenue generation. Hence, the Minister alongside the Agencies must work together harmoniously and leverage on all resources. “We must continue to refer to the performance bond we signed and use it as a reference point to appraise our success or otherwise,” she concluded.

General Christopher Musa Alive, Hearty -DHQ

By Emmanuel Daudu

Defence Headquarters has debunked news making the headlines that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa is dead.

According to a press release signed by Bridgadier General Tukur Gusau, Director, Defence Information on the 21 November, 2023, pointed out that the attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to an unfortunate publication by an online news paper alledging that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa passed away yesterday. The report is unfortunate, unethical and lack credibility.

“To put the records straigth the CDS, General CG Musa is alive and hearty. The Chief of Defence Staff who just returned from an official assignment outside the country has resumed work with more vigour to continue with his uncommon leadership style to prosper the Armed Forces of Nigeria .

“The online newspaper have since retracted the news story and offered its unreserved apology to the CDS, his family and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

” You are please requested to use your medium to inform the general public. Thank you for your usual cooperation”, he added.

FG reveals plan for new National Shipping Line

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to re-establish a National Shipping Line that will serve as front-line in internally generated revenue (IGR) to the tune of Ten (10) Billion U.S Dollars annually.

According to a Report written by Jefe Precious Ufuoma- Jeremiah and signed by Olujimi A. Oyetomi Director, Press & Public Relations on Tuesday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola made the statement during a Stakeholders Roundtable discussion on Advancing Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy, held at the Continental Hotel in Lagos.

Oyetola maintained that the new Ministry will operate on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to fashion out strategies and policies that will drive developments in the maritime sector of Nigeria’s economy.

The minister further stressed that the sector can be transformed through the PPP models of collaborative synergy between the private sector’s efficiency and the public sector’s oversight.

His words: “Let me add that the ministry’s decision to consider the re-establishment of a National Shipping Line, through a strategic PPP arrangement, is borne out of our desire to capture a substantial share of the estimated $10 billion annual ship charter market within the country. Let me hasten to say that this initiative will not seek to impede the growth of local players but rather to provide an avenue for them to create and extract more value from the sector, especially through ship construction, maintenance, and repairs.

“I believe we can transform this sector through the innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models that the ministry has embraced. This model, a collaborative synergy between the private sector’s efficiency and the public sector’s oversight, is set to bring about transformative impact on the marine and blue economy.

Anticipated outcomes include the creation of substantial job opportunities and the facilitation of increased trade and investment in the nation, reinforcing our collaborative and forward-looking approach.”

Oyetola pointed out that in line with Mr. President’s Eight Presidential Priorities to address critical challenges, the Ministry will play a crucial role and take advantage of Nigeria’s expansive coast line stretching over eight hundred and fifty three (853) kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean and a network potentially navigable waterways covering ten thousand kilometres (10,000km) across the Twenty Eight (28) of her 36 States to foster sustainable economic growth of the nation.

He urged the stakeholders to put in their best and come out with actionable ideas and blue print to transform the sector.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Magdalene Anjani noted that Nigeria’s maritime sector is blessed with vast potentials of both natural and human resources that can drive economic development in Nigeria.
“Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Maritime Sector is a major source of revenue earnings for the country, an enabler of trade and a key engine of economic growth and sustainable development”

In more of the permanent secretary’s words: “Nigeria is blessed with so much aquaculture and so has an extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), making it a natural hub for shipping and international trade for most landlocked neighboring nations in West and Central African region.

” Our Maritime industry is also blessed with many experts including captain of maritime industries, indigenous ship owners, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping lines, barge operators, maritime lawyers, stevedoring companies, women groups etc who are in this hall today and have paid huge sacrifices in advancing the Nigerian Maritime Industry to its presence state.” She stated.

AFBC Congress in Addis Ababa: Nigerian, Azania Omo-Agege re-elected as the 1st vice President

By Martin Odiete, Abuja

Interim President of the Nigerian Boxing Association, Azania Omo-Agege has been re-elected 1st vice president of the Africa Boxing Confederation, (AFBC).

The election which place in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia also saw the emergence of Mr Berhanu Eyassu Wossen, from Ethiopia as the new President of the Boxing Confederation.

Omo- Agege had been acting as the interim president of the Africa Boxing body following the suspension of the former president Cameroonian Bertrand Mendouga this year by the IBA ethics commission.

Addressing the audience, IBA President Umar Kremlev called on delegates to unity. “We are here today to unite all of Africa and I am happy to see a united team. To take our business to the next level, we need more events where athletes can have the opportunity to win money. I see a lot of countries in Africa that need our support and we have been extremely supportive with them.”

“National federations should be more active in asking for financial support. Today I would like you to elect your new president so that one of the candidates can begin the immense work that awaits us at AFBC for the future of boxing on the continent,” said President Kremlev.

On his part, newly elected AFBC President Wossen promised more support for the continent: “I promise to find financial support for our continent. Let’s think about our future together because we must be united.”

“This is the dawn of a new era of unprecedented success in African boxing and I want to radically change the face of boxing on our continent,” said last October when he was president of the Ethiopian Federation boxing.

Meanwhile, Omo-Agege told our correspondent from Addis Ababa that his re-election is indeed a blessing to Nigeria maintaining that he would ensure that Nigerian boxers benefits from his position as the 1st vice president the African boxing body.

He thanked the Nigerian Government for the opportunity given to him to be able to contest for such great position in African boxing.

“Let me thank my Minister, Nigerian Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh for the supports accorded me in my effort to contest in this election. You may wish to know that if he had been against my contesting in the election I would not have been able to make it. So, for this, I say a very big THANK YOU to my Minister,” he concluded.

FG Commends Sightsavers For Exceptional Service,Seeks More Humanitarian Supports In Nigeria

By Emmanuel Daudu

Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, says Federal Government of Nigeria is pleased with the contributions and impacts of Sightsavers in Nigeria and their services in the last seven decades.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, FMHAPA on Tuesday in a press release said the minister made the commendation when she attended the seventy years anniversary of the international organisation held at the Transcorp Hotels Abuja.

Dr Edu who was a special guest of honour at the event,said over seventy years of Sightsavers in Nigeria,has provided significant impacts in eye cares and surgeries as well as other interventions to prevent blindness and boost literacy rates, across the country ,thereby reduce poverty and humanitarian crises especially among the people with disabilities (PWDs).

“You have also supported girls and children with disabilities,this inclusive approach will ensure more persons with disabilities contributes effectively to nation-building.

“Sightsavers Nigeria as you commemorates your seven decades of collaborative work to protect sight and campaign for disability rights, i bring you greetings from Mr President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is very pleased with what you are doing.

“Since 1953, you have been collaborating with national and state governments as well as other partners.

“It is on records that you have delivered over 60,000 cataract surgeries, and 590 million treatments to eliminate five neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

“These diseases, which affect millions of people in the country, can cause excruciating pain, permanent blindness, and long-term disability, and can sometimes be fatal”she added.

The minister called for more support in the humanitarian space which she says will save more sight of affected communities ,the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)and Prevent more people from falling below the poverty line.

On his part, the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disability,Hon James Lalu, said the positive impact of sightsavers to Nigeria disabled community cannot be overemphasized.

Lalu who said Sightsavers have treated millions of persons with disabilities from chronic ailments and diseases, which could have caused permanent blindness,and permanent long-term disability.

He called for more interventions and partnership between Sightsavers and the commission, urging other International partners to emulate their efforts to reduce humanitarian crises and poverty challenge in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sightsavers,Caroline Harper said: “As we look back on the past seven decades of Sightsavers working in Nigeria, what is clear is that collaboration and partnership have been intrinsic to our success.

“I am optimistic about the future of eye health, inclusion, and the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in the country. We’re committed to reaching the most marginalized communities, the disabled community in Nigeria, and I look forward to many more years of collaboration and life-changing work” she explained.

Sightsavers regional director for West Africa Fatoumata Diouf,said the organisation has helped to advance eye health services in Nigeria, promote inclusive education for children with disabilities, and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to be able to participate fully in society.

“In the past seven decades, the organization has trained 11,000 teachers and community health workers to provide vision screenings for children and also screened 130 million children for visual impairment in north-west Nigeria.

“In 2023 alone, we equipped 1,000 service providers to support people with disabilities” she said.

Other Speakers at the event includes,the
The Diirector of public health, Federal Ministry of Health and social welfare, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, , and the World Health Organization country representative Dr Walter Mulombo who commended Sightsavers for their impact in Nigeria for seven decades.

Sightsavers has been at the forefront of advocating for disability rights to among other things create awareness on their access to education, employment, healthcare and full participation in society without stigma or discrimination.

FG To Revitalize Ajaokuta Steel Company -badaru

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was committed to the revitalization and repositioning of Ajaokuta Steel Company that will be capable to produce Military hardware to support the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director ( Information), in a press release he signed and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister disclosed this when he received the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu and the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Mr. Sumaila Abdul Akaba in Ship House, Abuja.

Badaru said that Ajaokuta Steel Company was known for the local production of Military hardware and that there was the need to partner with Ministry of Steel Development because 80/90 per cent of what is required for the production of Military hardware was Steel.

He said that strengthening the Company to produce Military hardware instead of relying on foreign production would boost the nation’s fight against insurgency and other related crimes.
“Local production of Military Hardware is critical because the crisis we have in the country at present will not allow us rely on other countries for Military hardware,” he said.

To actualize the revitalization of the Company, the Minister has directed that a Technical Committee be set up to determine what to produce, the raw materials to use, cost of reviving the production centre as well as to determine sources of funding.

He urged the Permanent Secretary, Director- General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria ( DICON) and the Managing- Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company as members of the Technical Committee to work vigorously and ambitiously and come up with a report on the way forward in two weeks time.

In his remark, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, said that reviving Ajaokuta Steel would be a game changer to Nigerian Industry and the economy as a whole.

He said that due to paucity of funds, production was stalled. “But I believe that if initiatives are put in place, Ajaokuta Steel will be revived and work will resume within the first four years of the Present Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He stated that the Company has about 48 production units and one of such units was for production of Military hardware, adding that if Ministry of Defence collaborate with the Company, it would have the capacity to produce Military Hardware that the nation will need.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar kana, mni said that the essence of the meeting was to take the discussion to the stages where the Company is and develop a step by step approach on how to actualize the dreams of reviving Ajaokuta Steel in the next four years.

Counter- Terrorism: Nigeria To Deepen Cooperation With United Nations Drug Crime office

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on their Counter- Terrorism Project work with Nigerian Armed Forces.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director (Information), said, the Minister made the commendation when he received the Representative of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Oliver Stolpe, in his office at Ship House, Abuja.

Badaru stated that Nigeria welcomes any effort that would help in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
“Thank you for doing a good job in Maiduguri. We will give you maximum cooperation needed to sustain the fight against Boko Haram and other forms of criminalities in Nigeria.

On the rehabilitation of the repentant Boko Haram members, the Minister said in addition to what they have done, there was the need for Tracking Mechanism to ensure that the released Boko Haram members are fully integrated back to the society.

Badaru expressed gratitude for UNODC’s continuous support in enhancing Nigeria’s capabilities to combat terrorism.

In his remark, Mr. Stolpe pointed out that the UNODC is collaborating with Nigerian Armed Forces in area of counter- terrorism and Maritime security.

He said UNODC in partnership with Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri, Borno State has successfully reviewed over 2,900 case files leading to 2,400 prisoners released.

Insecurity: FG Has Undertaken Comprehensive Efforts To Curb Terrorism- Defence Minister

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has undertaken Comprehensive efforts to curb the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminalities and restore normalcy to all parts of the country especially in the North East geopolitical zone.

He disclosed this during the book launch by the Nigerian Air Force, titled: “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower” recently in Abuja.

According to Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, Director (Press & PR), the Minister stated that the Ministry of Defence as the vanguard of the national security has played a pivotal role in coordinating the Armed Forces and executing strategies to counter terrorism effectively. He added that there was the need for a multi-faceted approach of combining Military precision with socio- economic initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization.

Speaking on the title of the Book launched, Badaru said that in a bid to pursue a whole society approach to the issue of terrorism, the book was developed by leveraging strong partnership between Nigerian Air Force and the academia.

He commended the book launchers saying that it would serve a valuable resource for policymakers, Military Strategists and scholars in understanding the evolving dynamics of terrorism in Nigeria and to explore the imperative of airpower in the nation’s counter- terrorism efforts.

The Minister said that the scourge of terrorism was not confined within national borders alone, but that it was a global challenge. “The Sahel region with its vast and diverse terrain, has become a hotspot for terrorist activities, posing a significant threat to regional stability. In this context, the collaboration of intergovernmental organizations including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and others become imperative to address the root causes and manifestations of terrorism in the Sahel,” he said.

The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio in his address said that the book launch was not just an academic exercise but a call to action that would serve as a reminder that we have a shared responsibility to fight against terrorism and protect the lives and liberties of our fellow citizens.

The Governor of Bornu State, Professor Babagana Umara Zullum who was in attendance appreciated the Armed Forces for exhibiting professionalism, synergy and commitments to ending insurgency.

The host, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar noted that the book was developed in collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and Babcock University to serve as a guiding light for policy makers, military strategists and practitioners in formulating holistic solutions that go beyond the realm of military operations.

ECOWAS Commission to organize workshop for adoption of ECOWAS Maritime Procedures Manual

By Emmanuel Daudu

Abuja, 20th November 2023 – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, under the SWAIMS project, is set to organize a pivotal workshop aimed at advancing the adoption and promulgation of the Manual of Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures for ECOWAS Maritime Centres. This significant event will take place in Abuja from 20th to 21st November 2023.

According to a press statement signed by Mr. Kouadio Serge, Programme Officer IT and Communication, ECOWAS on Sunday, disclosed that the workshop will bring together esteemed participants including the Heads of ECOWAS Maritime Centres CRESMAO, MMCCs Zones E, F, and G, representatives from the Regional Security Division of ECOWAS, and the Heads of Operations and Administrative and Finance from CRESMAO and the MMCCs.

The primary focus of the workshop is to achieve the following expected results:

Adoption of the final version of the Manual of Procedures for the ECOWAS Maritime Centres.

Submission of the Manual of Procedures to the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, for promulgation and ultimate implementation in the ECOWAS Maritime Centres.

Speaking about the upcoming workshop, Dr. Axel Klein,Team Leader of the SWAIMS project expressed, “This workshop serves as a critical milestone in enhancing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of ECOWAS Maritime Centres. It underscores our commitment to promoting maritime security and safety in the ECOWAS region.”

The ECOWAS Commission remains resolute in its dedication to developing and implementing best practices for the ECOWAS Maritime Centres, in alignment with the overarching goals of the SWAIMS project.

-END-

About SWAIMS Project:

The Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria, and Niger Delta suffer from major and regular maritime insecurity that range from piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping to illegal oil bunkering, trafficking, and smuggling.

The Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) programme is a multi-country intervention, covering member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the European Union-West Africa regional Indicative Programme—Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, as well as Mauritania with a specific focus on coastal countries.

Sample Activities
Strengthen integrated maritime governance, policies, laws and systems to support maritime security.

Assess the impact of illicit financial circuits generated by maritime crime.

Strengthen regional operational training.

Improve coordination with the private sector and participation of civil society in fighting maritime insecurity.

Sample Results
Supported the preparation of the background material for the grant to ECOWAS Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), and the preparation of the background material for the grants to Académie Régionale des Sciences et Techniques de la Mer (ARSTM), Interregional Maritime Security Institute (ISMI), and to the Regional Maritime University (RMU).

Formulated a civil society organisation (CSO) engagement strategy to provide a framework for the programme activities that involve civil society.

To tackle the impact of COVID-19 organized via videoconferences national webinars on raising awareness of CSOs in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea Bissau, and Togo to promote wider engagement of the civil society in maritime security.

Launched the international tender procedure for supply of equipment to ECOWAS Maritime Centers and ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Center.

Formulated a private sector strategy, supported the development of an Alert Bulletin, and organized a webinar to launch the strategy and foster the engagement of the private sector in maritime.

Established a functional project management unit to coordinate the implementation of the different components of the project and to ensure monitoring and timely reporting on project activities and results by the implementing partners (UNODC, CILCL, ARSTM, ISMI, RMU, GIABA).

Acted as the Secretariat to the first Steering Committee, coordinated visibility actions, and liaised with other EU-funded projects in the Gulf of Guinea to ensure coherence of action.

Conducted a detailed survey of maritime security stakeholders, delineating roles, and responsibilities in each member state.

Assessed the legal framework and existing legislation governing maritime crime.

Contributed to the drafting of model manuals and work packages for developing integrated maritime policy and the planned maritime security workshops.

Submitted a draft juridical report itemizing the legislation relating to maritime crime in ECOWAS member states.