By Amina Ojelabi
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has commended Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project as one of the most impressive maritime security initiatives in the world, describing it as a model for other nations to emulate.
Mr. Domínguez made the remarks during his official three-day visit to Nigeria, which included a dramatic anti-piracy demonstration by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.
The exercise, staged on Friday, showcased the full strength of Nigeria’s multi-dimensional maritime security architecture, integrating naval, aerial, and intelligence assets under the Deep Blue Project.
Minister of Marine And Blue Economy Adeboyega Oyetola, Secretary-General International Maritime Organization IMO Arsenio Dominuguez , Managing Director Nigeria Ports Authority Dr.Abubakar Dantsoho ,others at the Anti-Piracy Demo
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who accompanied the IMO chief on the tour, described the Deep Blue Project as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime security strategy.
“The Deep Blue Project is a multi-layered security architecture that has been very powerful for us in the past three years,” Oyetola said. “It represents teamwork across all security agencies, and that collaboration is what makes it effective. We are determined to sustain the programme so that no barriers or interruptions affect its success.”
The minister also linked Nigeria’s maritime security achievements to its ongoing campaign for re-election to the IMO Council. “I am proud of what we have achieved in the past months. With these results, Nigeria is well-positioned to return to the IMO Council and continue contributing to global maritime governance,” Oyetola noted.
During the anti-piracy drill, Mr. Domínguez watched as NIMASA operatives deployed interceptor boats, special mission helicopters, and special forces to intercept a “hijacked vessel.” The simulation saw troops storm the ship, neutralize the hijackers, conduct medical evacuations, and escort the vessel to safe anchorage Visibly impressed, the IMO chief said.
Anti-piracy demonstration
“This is one of the most impressive displays I have seen and experienced. Maritime security is critical for Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. The fact that for the past three years Nigeria has recorded no piracy attacks in its national waters demonstrates the effectiveness of this project.”
He urged the Federal Government to continue supporting the initiative: “I strongly encourage Nigeria to sustain the Deep Blue Project. The results are clear enhanced maritime security supports the economy, boosts trade, and strengthens global confidence in Nigeria as a safe shipping destination.”
Earlier, the IMO Secretary-General had inspected the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic vessel NNS Lana, as well as NIMASA’s C4i Centre and Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC). He described them as fully equipped and state-of-the-art, noting that Nigeria has developed the right mix of assets to tackle maritime insecurity effectively.
In lighter moments, Mr. Domínguez revealed he had been given a Nigerian name Segun Dominuguez by his hosts, and joked that he was still eager to try Nigeria’s famous rice dishes, particularly jollof rice, which he had heard so much about.
At the end of the demonstration, NIMASA’s special forces staged a salute dedicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, whom they fondly referred to as the “Baba Deep Blue” in recognition of his commitment to the project.
Director General NIMASA Dr Dayo Mobereola receiving award of excellence
The operatives emphasized their single mission: to ensure that the Deep remains Blue a symbolic pledge to keep Nigeria’s maritime domain safe and secure.
The IMO Secretary-General’s visit not only underscored Nigeria’s growing leadership in Gulf of Guinea maritime security but also spotlighted the country’s investments in manpower, technology, and international cooperation.
As Nigeria campaigns for a return to the IMO Council, the Deep Blue Project hailed for delivering three years of zero piracy in Nigerian waters stands as both a national achievement and a global benchmark in maritime safety.
Leave a Reply