Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian Navy has declared an all-out push to end what it calls an “unjust” war risk label still clinging to Nigeria’s maritime reputation despite years of calm and secure waters.
In a bold statement on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, said the time has come for international shipping and insurance firms to stop penalizing Nigeria with War Risk Insurance Premiums.
“There is absolutely no reason why Nigeria should still be on any war risk list. For the past three to four years, there has been no piracy incident in our waters. This continued classification is unjustifiable,” Oamen declared while receiving executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
The naval chief credited Nigeria’s piracy-free status to a beefed-up naval presence, cutting edge surveillance systems like the Falcon Eye, and strategic partnerships with regional and global allies.
The Navy’s endorsement came as MARAN formally invited the command to participate in its flagship event, MAMAL 2025, themed: “Addressing the Burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigerian Maritime Trade.” The high-level industry gathering is slated for August 27 at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos.
MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, called out the continued imposition of war risk charges as an economic injustice hurting Nigerian trade and inflating costs for businesses and consumers alike.
“We are not at war. Nigerian waters have been safe for over three years, yet vessels calling at our ports are still burdened with unjust premiums,” Bivbere lamented.
He revealed that MARAN is preparing to escalate the matter by petitioning the IMO, engaging foreign insurers, and launching a special Maritime Industry Compendium in September that will spotlight key players like the Navy, NIMASA, and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Rear Admiral Oamen didn’t hold back in his support, promising full Navy participation in the event and even offering to present a paper showcasing the Navy’s achievements in maritime security.
“We’re fully on board. MAMAL 2025 will be an opportunity to let the world know that Nigeria’s waters are safe and open for business,” he said.
He also praised MARAN’s role in shaping public opinion and pledged to open up naval sea exercises for media coverage to boost transparency and global confidence.
The visit marked a strategic alliance between the Navy and the maritime press, with both sides vowing to intensify advocacy to get Nigeria off the war risk map once and for all.