Piracy has long posed a formidable challenge to global trade, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea region, which encompasses Nigeria and other West African countries. This area has gained notoriety as the world’s piracy hotspot, with frequent attacks on ships, crew kidnappings, and hijackings of inbound cargoes.
However, according to a recent report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), Nigeria experienced the lowest number of armed robberies and pirate attacks on its coastal waters globally in the first half of 2022. Astonishingly, none of the 58 reported incidents during that period occurred in Nigeria. This record marks the lowest number of incidents since 2018, when 31 cases were reported within the country during the first six months of the year.
Among the institutions receiving praise from the international community and the International Maritime Bureau for their efforts in securing Nigeria’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea region is the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). In December 2020, the global maritime regulatory agency commended NIMASA for its contributions to the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Director General of NIMASA, has been credited with spearheading the reforms and initiatives that have bolstered Nigeria’s maritime security. Assuming his role on March 4, 2020, after his appointment by President Mahamadu Buhari, Dr. Jamoh has demonstrated clear leadership and a proactive approach to addressing maritime security issues through the implementation of effective policies.
Under his guidance, NIMASA secured the Federal Government’s approval for substantial investments in acquiring sea and air surveillance patrol assets as part of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, also known as the Deep Blue Project. The implementation of this project, which commenced on May 21, 2021, involved NIMASA procuring crucial assets such as two Special Mission Vessels (SMVs), 17 Fast Interceptor Boats (FIBs), two Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs), and 16 Armoured Vehicles deployed for operational use by the Nigerian Navy. Dr. Jamoh’s tenure has witnessed enhanced cooperation between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, further strengthening maritime security.
During his leadership, NIMASA also initiated the upgrade of the Regional Maritime Awareness Center (RMAC) in Kirikiri to SEA VISION, enabling the monitoring of vessels in the West and Central Africa region. The agency also established an integrated national maritime surveillance and security infrastructure, enabling the deployment of satellite surveillance equipment to combat piracy in Nigerian waters.
Dr. Jamoh has played a pivotal role in the Gulf of Guinea collaboration through the establishment of the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) forum, formed by Nigeria and 22 countries of the ICC in July 2021. The forum aims to facilitate effective operational counter-piracy cooperation among regional and international navies, the shipping industry, and reporting centers of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct for the Regional Strategy for Maritime Safety and Security in the Central and West Africa region. As part of his efforts, he successfully had NIMASA removed from the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) list of countries designated as high-risk maritime nations.
Dr. Jamoh has transformed operations at NIMASA, fostering a friendly working environment and motivating staff through regular promotions and provision of necessary logistics. He has also been a strong advocate for the Blue Economy, promoting policies that support sustainable economic activities related to marine resources.
With over 29 years of public service experience, Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh previously served in the Kaduna State Government before transferring his services to the then National Maritime Authority (NMA) in 1994. Prior to his current appointment, he held the position of Executive Director of Finance & Administration at NIMASA and Assistant Director in charge of Training and Development. Dr. Jamoh holds a PhD in Logistics and Transport Management from the University of Port Harcourt, a Master’s degree in Management from the Korea Maritime and Ocean University in South Korea, an Advanced Diploma in Management from Bayero University Kano, a Professional Certificate in Materials Management from the Institute of Logistics in the UK, and a Diploma in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
Dr. Jamoh has pursued additional management courses at the Said Business School, Oxford University, UK, and the Institute of Public Partnerships in Washington DC, USA. He holds membership in several professional associations, including the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics, the Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria, and the Institute of Maritime Economists (Canada).
By: Alexander Naaga Bombande
