Because of the dangerous situation that occurs nowadays in Nigeria, shipping companies have spent over $45 million per year, in order to escort their vessels while they sail in Nigerian waters, sources mention.
This is coming in a time where a report by the United States of America (USA), warns about piracy attacks in Nigeria waters and advises vessels to be vigilant when approaching.
In the last months many attacks were noted in Nigeria. For example, in October eight pirates boarded the container ship ‘Demeter’ and kidnapped six crewmembers, while the ship was sailing off Bonny Island. Furthermore, in the beginning of November a crude oil tanker which was sailing around 21 nautical miles SouthWest off Bonny Island was approached by pirates, but managed to escape.
Nigerian Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, noted that the government tries to tackle this problem, in order to allow businesses in Nigeria conduct their work without obstacles.
For this reason, the Nigerian government has approached an Israeli firm in order to train Nigeria’s security men, the Minister said. Adding that this process will be conducted through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
However, US still warns over the insecure situation in Nigeria, according to sources, suggesting operators to be very careful when sailing in Nigerian waterways.