COOPERATION ON MARITIME SAFETY AND SECURITY

UNCLAS LAGOS 001871

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - HANDLE ACCORDINGLY

STATE FOR AF/W
STATE FOR INR/AA
STATE FOR EB/TRA/OTP DORIS HAYWOOD
STATE FOR OES/STC JULIE ROTTIER
STATE PASS DOC FOR KBURRESS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON EWWT NI
SUBJECT: COOPERATION ON MARITIME SAFETY AND SECURITY



1. (SBU) Summary. The National Maritime Authority (NMA) met
with US Office of Naval Research Global team on December 6 to
discuss mutual maritime safety and security cooperation and
research. NMA Director General emphasized the need for USG
assistance in training cadets, producing accurate coastal
charts and maps, exchanging maritime safety intelligence, and
improving search and rescue operations. End Summary.


2. (SBU) The USG team met NMA members at their Lagos
headquarters on December 6 to gauge their interest in
scientific research and maritime cooperation. NMA Director
General Festus Ugwu said collaboration with the USG would be
necessary to protect Nigeria's coastal waters and ensure the
safety of vessels. He welcomed any USG assistance in
improving NMA's effectiveness.


3. (SBU) NMA Maritime Safety Director Captain Ade Olopaenia
said there were seven specific areas for mutual cooperation.
These areas included: bathymetric surveys, geophysical
surveys, search and rescue operations, maritime safety
intelligence exchanges, training for hydrographic surveys,
training cadets on U.S. navy vessels, and improving maritime
chart mapping and production capabilities. DG Ugwu said NMA
would welcome USG assistance in training personnel in
developing and maintaining navigational charts. (Note: Most
of their navigational charts date back to the 1960s. End
note.)


4. (SBU) DG Ugwu said NMA would establish a Maritime Rescue
Coordination Center by April 2005 and work with the Nigerian
Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to coordinate search and
rescue operations for land, air, and sea. The Center would be
based in Lagos and serve as a hub for regional maritime
cooperation, Ugwu said. He supported regional and USG
cooperation in maritime data research and intelligence
exchanges.


5. (SBU) Comment: DG Ugwu appeared sincere in his desire to
open communication channels with the USG. The positive
response from NMA officials to maritime cooperation appeared
to be aligned with U.S. Navy and EUCOM objectives. End
Comment.

This cable has been cleared by U.S. Office of Naval Research
Global Associate Director Melissa Flagg and Commander Naval
Forces Europe/Commander Sixth Fleet Senior Adviser John
Mittleman.
BROWNE