Headlines
Surge in piracy in Gulf of Guinea costs West African nations $1.9 billion annually as $5m paid as random in 2020—-UN report

The newest hotspot for piracy saw 106 incidents in 2020 with 623 seafarers affected by kidnapping, according to the report, “Pirates of the Gulf of Guinea: A Cost Analysis for Coastal States.”
The report made together with the Stable Seas research group, said that most of the direct costs of the kidnappings and ship seizures would be borne by foreigners, with some $5 million paid last year for kidnappings of mostly non-African ship crew members.
But it said the countries along the Gulf of Guinea coast will pay far more than that to deal with the rise in piracy, from expanded patrols to rescue missions to greater security costs in ports.
The report estimates that those costs could be more than $1.9 billion annually, diverting important resources from other crucial needs.
“After considering indirect financial damages and opportunity costs, it becomes clear that Gulf of Guinea nations have the most to gain from reducing piracy and armed robbery in the region,” the report said.
“The frequency and violence of these attacks have preoccupied navies that could be addressing other maritime security threats, discouraged foreign investment, weakened state control of coastal and offshore areas, slowed the development of the blue economy, emboldened illicit traders and illegal fishers, and terrorized seafarer communities,” it said.
“This has exacted a financial and human cost to the Gulf of Guinea states that, to this point, has been seen as secondary to the costs borne by multinational shipping companies and non-African entities.”
The report was released nearly two weeks after a Danish naval patrol killed four pirates in an exchange of fire off the coast of Nigeria in the piracy hotspot.
Anniken Huitfeldt, Norway’s minister of foreign affairs, told officials at the United Nations Tuesday that the number of attacks had declined this year, possibly due to an increase in international patrolling and the Nigerian Deep Blue Project, a maritime security project.
However, she said, “We have seen more brutal attacks where a larger number of seafarers have been kidnapped.”
Headlines
Edward Osagie, NIMASA spokesman, shines at 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards in Abuja

–— emerges outstanding spokesperson in Marine and Blue Economy sector
Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees, emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.
Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.
Other winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) as Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service as Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) as Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) as Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).
Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of Nigeria Police, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.
In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors.
The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.
The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.
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