The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have renewed their strategic partnership with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening maritime security, enhancing safety llllland improving coordinated enforcement across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The agreement, signed at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Abuja by the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, marked the first formal renewal of the partnership since the original agreement was executed in 2007.
The renewed pact provides a framework for stronger collaboration in maintaining maritime security and supporting the implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and other maritime regulations within the agency’s mandate.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mobereola commended the commitment of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to promoting inter-agency collaboration as a critical component of maritime security and the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
He noted that the renewed agreement would strengthen institutional cooperation between both organisations, enabling them to discharge their statutory responsibilities more effectively while consolidating the gains already recorded in securing the nation’s maritime environment.
According to him, the agreement would also support the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the blue economy by creating a stronger framework for tackling emerging maritime security threats through improved coordination, information sharing and operational cooperation.
“As we renew this partnership today, I urge our respective teams to ensure that the spirit of this agreement translates into practical and measurable outcomes”, he said.
Mobereola also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their continued commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime space.
In his remarks, Abbas described the signing as another significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA.
He explained that the renewed agreement introduced important provisions designed to address the changing dynamics of maritime security.
According to him, one of the major additions is the integration of the Deep Blue Project into the collaborative framework, creating a stronger operational link between the Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the project.
He also highlighted the introduction of a joint reporting protocol to enhance communication and information sharing during operations, noting that the initiative would support faster decision-making and a more coordinated response to maritime incidents.
The naval chief further welcomed provisions for expanded institutional engagement, including an annual conference that will enable both organisations to assess progress, strengthen collaboration and address emerging challenges.
“Whether we like it or not, the water is where we get whatever we are getting—our revenue, everything and even the trade we engage in, in large percentages, is done through the water. So this institution has to be very strong”, he said.
The renewed MoU is expected to deepen operational cooperation between both institutions, particularly in maritime security, information sharing, coordinated responses to maritime incidents and the enforcement of maritime laws.