Korean envoy visits NIMASA, seeks action on rescue of hijacked Korean MV. Glarus
The Consular-General of the Korean Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Kim In-Taek has paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, seeking for early release of hijacked Korean vessel within the Nigerian territorial waterfront.
It would be recalled that the vessel was hijacked with little or no security resistance thus adding credence to recent report that hijack cases along Nigerian waters are becoming the worst in Africa.
There had been several efforts by concerned global agencies to track down the culprits, but the vessel is yet to regain freedom, thus prompting the courtesy visit as part of Korean official move to seek early release of their flag flying vessel, MV. Glarus.
In his response, the Dr Peterside said “Nigeria is totally committed to the safety of all vessels that come on its coastal waters. Efforts have been doubled to ensure that vessels calling at Nigerian ports are safe and secure by investing even more in surveillance to guaranty safety of vessels. NIMASA is working closely with the Nigerian Navy and the National Intelligence Agency”.
He noted that Nigeria was expected to witness a drastic drop in maritime crimes with the additional security measures being put in place by the agency, saying the country ultimately aims to completely rid its coastal waters of pirates and other criminals. On strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and Korea, Dakuku said Nigeria was taking steps to establish new synergies with other countries and further existing ones, such as its relations with Korea. He said Nigeria cherished its relationship with Korea and encouraged a mutually beneficial working relationship between both countries in ship building, shipping development as well as human capacity development and other aspects of the maritime industry.
