Business & Maritime West Africa Editorial

The deceptive and inflated ego Nigeria has been putting up over time in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is about to be deflated. Danish government has concluded plans to deploy a frigate equipped with a helicopter to patrol international waters in the gulf from November for an initial period of five months. A statement from the Defence Ministry of Denmark about a fortnight ago said the warship will combat piracy by providing escorts to civilian shipping and carrying out rescue operations following attacks.

The international shipping community is happy with the planned deployment. According to Jakob Larsen, head of maritime security at BIMCO, one of the largest industry groups of ship owners, this is welcome as “regional countries currently do not have the capabilities needed to suppress piracy.”

Before the deployment date, Denmark’s government will negotiate agreements with the coastal countries in West Africa. This, Larsen said, will provide a litmus test of how West African coastal states support and facilitate such initiatives. Part of the agreements to be negotiated with the regional governments will include “possible transfer and prosecution of apprehended pirates.”

https://businessandmaritimewestafrica.com/danish-warship-in-the-gulf-of-guinea-deflating-nigerias-big-ego/

Nigeria is only Giant of Africa on paper...