Following the success of Nigeria’s maritime security architecture, the Deep Blue Project, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is set to expand the initiative to deepen its impact across the Gulf of Guinea.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this during a strategic visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abass, at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.
Mobereola congratulated the CNS, who previously served as Commander of the Maritime Guard Command (MGC) in NIMASA, and called for strengthened collaboration to sustain the gains already recorded in maritime security.
“It is important that we continue our partnership and further strengthen our relationship. Our purpose here is to congratulate you and also to review the Deep Blue Project — how to sustain it, expand it and increase its impact in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We have the backing of the President, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Navy, and we are working towards presenting proposals on the improvements that should be undertaken”, the NIMASA Director General said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, he noted that the Deep Blue Project has earned global recognition, with countries across Africa and beyond seeking to adopt Nigeria’s model.
“The Deep Blue Project is vital. Countries are coming to copy our model. Even the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is asking how a civilian organisation was able to achieve this feat.
This shows the need for sustained collaboration for greater impact and sustainability”, he added.
He also congratulated the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, on his appointment as the Nigerian Navy’s representative on the NIMASA Governing Board.
In his response, Abass commended NIMASA for its achievements in the Maritime sector and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to synergy with sister agencies.
“Part of my command objective is to work in synergy with other agencies to achieve our national goals. We complement one another, and collaboration is not optional but necessary”, the CNS said.
He called for a review of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, which has been in place since 2007, to further strengthen cooperation. According to him, the Navy has capacity to support NIMASA in vessel repairs, hydrographic surveys and charting.
Abass also sought NIMASA’s support for wreck removal as the Navy prepares for its 70th Anniversary, which will attract foreign naval vessels into Nigerian waters.
He further commended the Agency on the launch of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) Application Portal, noting the progress being made towards the disbursement of the fund.
The visit underscores Mobereola’s commitment to collaboration as a core pillar in delivering NIMASA’s mandate in maritime safety and security, environmental protection and sustainability, as well as capacity development.