The United States Consulate in Lagos and the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS) have embarked on a partnership to enhance the capabilities of Nigerian shipping operators. The two organizations discussed various areas of collaboration during a meeting held at the NCS headquarters in Lagos. Lieutenant Commander Patrick Moon, the Maritime Advisor to the United States Consulate, led the US delegation.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Mr. Aminu Umar, President of the NCS, highlighted maritime security as a major area of interest for both organizations, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea (GOG) region. Umar stated, “The meeting was primarily to meet the Maritime Advisor to the US Consulate General, Lieutenant Commander Patrick Moon, and the Economic Adviser, Ms. Jordan LaChance. We discussed how we can collaborate on advocacy, policies, capacity development, and capacity building.”
Umar acknowledged the US as the world’s largest shipping country and a key contributor to the improvement of maritime security in Africa, especially in the GOG region. He emphasized the need for continuous improvement and the deployment of advanced technology in the Nigerian maritime sector.
Umar further said, “The introduction of new technologies in maritime security improves efficiency, and we hope that the US can partner with Nigerian operators and security agencies to enhance the maritime domain’s security situation.”
Lieutenant Commander Patrick Moon, the Maritime Advisor from the US Consulate in Lagos, commented on the significance of safe and secure shipping in the international business arena and its impact on people worldwide. Moon, who serves as an officer in the US Coast Guard, stressed that safe shipping is crucial to both the Coast Guard and the US Mission.
Moon also explained the relationship between the US Coast Guard and the US Navy, stating, “The US Coast Guard and US Navy are sister services with a long history of cooperation. The Coast Guard functions as both a military service and a regulatory body, responsible for tasks such as search and rescue coordination, commercial vessel inspections, and waterways management.”
The US delegation, which included Ms. Jordan LaChance, the Economic Adviser to the US Consulate, and Ms. Ngozi Nkwoh, was joined by members of the NCS Governing Council, Mrs. Jean-Chiazor Anishere (SAN) and Ms. Ifeoma Nwagbogu. Also present were Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, the Director General of NCS.