Gulf of Guinea’s 80% piracy from Nigeria – EU

The European Union has said about 80 per cent of the piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is linked to the activities of Nigerians and their vessels.

Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Michel Arrion, who said this during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, denied reports that European companies aided oil theft by buying stolen oil.

“It (oil theft) happens either because it is in the Nigerian waters, or because the oil stolen is from Nigeria or that the pirates are Nigerians,” he said.

On the yet-to-be-formalised Economic Partnership Agreement with Nigeria and other African countries, Arrion said despite the misconceptions about EPA, which is being considered within the collaborative framework with Nigeria, the agreement would facilitate the industrialisation of Nigeria and create needed jobs because the EU, according to him, will bring in technology and expertise.

He therefore urged the Nigerian government to sign the EPA.

The EU chief praised the peaceful outcome of the general elections in Nigeria and tasked the in -coming administration of Muhammadu Buhari to consolidate on the success of the elections.

“Democracy only makes meaning to the common man to the extent that it delivers good governance, creates opportunities and improves the quality of living,” he said.

He added that Buhari had a lot to do not only in delivering his campaign promises, but  “in ensuring that Nigeria’s massive population is galvanised into a formidable productive force that will generate wealth commensurate with the country’s immense economic potential.”

On the lingering crisis of insurgency, the envoy said the incoming administration should expedite action to end the crisis as Buhari promised during his campaign.

He said, “Bringing the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East to an end and rehabilitating those who have been affected by the insurgency, will be a key step in this direction.”