The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced plans to expand its Deep Blue maritime security project, following the programme’s widely acknowledged success in enhancing security across the Gulf of Guinea and earning international recognition.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this during a strategic visit to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abass, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Commending the Nigerian Navy for its strong collaboration with the Agency, Mobereola congratulated Vice Admiral Abass, who previously served as Maritime Guard Commander under NIMASA, and called for sustained partnership to ensure the long-term success and expansion of the Deep Blue Project.
“It is important that we continue our partnership and strengthen our relationship,” Mobereola said. “We are here to congratulate the Chief of Naval Staff and to discuss how to sustain the Deep Blue Project, expand its scope and increase its impact in the Gulf of Guinea.”
He noted that NIMASA enjoys the support of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Navy, adding that the Agency is working towards presenting proposals aimed at improving and strengthening the project.
The NIMASA boss emphasised the global relevance of the Deep Blue Project, revealing that the initiative has attracted commendation from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and interest from other African countries seeking to replicate Nigeria’s maritime security model.
“The Deep Blue Project is critical, and countries across Africa and beyond are coming to understudy our model,” Mobereola said. “The IMO is particularly impressed that a civilian agency has been able to achieve such success. This makes it imperative that we deepen our collaboration and do even better to ensure sustainability.”
Mobereola also congratulated the Chief of Operations, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, on his appointment to the NIMASA Governing Board as the Navy’s representative.
In his response, Vice Admiral Abass welcomed the NIMASA delegation and commended the Agency for its contributions to maritime security and its consistent support for the Nigerian Navy.
“As part of my command’s objectives, we will continue to work in synergy with other agencies to achieve our national goals,” the CNS said. “We complement one another, and collaboration remains our only option.”
Abass noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, which has been in place since 2007, should be reviewed to reflect current operational realities. He also highlighted areas where the Navy could provide additional support, including vessel repairs, hydrographic surveys and charting.
The CNS further sought NIMASA’s assistance in wreck removal efforts, particularly as the Navy prepares to host foreign naval vessels during its forthcoming 70th anniversary celebrations.
He also commended NIMASA for the recent launch of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) application portal, describing it as a significant milestone in the Agency’s long-standing plan to disburse the fund.
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