Amazed at a simulation exercise of the Nigeria’s Deep Blue project, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, commended Nigeria on the multilayered security architecture designed to combat piracy in Nigerian waters.
Fielding questions from journalists at the after the exercise which took place at the Under Water Jetty of the Nigerian Navy, Ojo town, Lagos, Dominguez exclaimed that ‘this is one of the most impressive displays I have seen and experienced”, stressing that “and the reality is that we know how important maritime security is, particularly for Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea”.
According to him effective Deep Blue Assets implies a return of Commerce and improved economy.
He encouraged the Nigerian government to sustain the project, noting that the results are evident in the absence of piracy attacks in Nigerian waters.
The project has earned Nigeria a zero piracy incident record for the past three years.
The Secretary General praised the quality of the equipment used in the Deep Blue project, saying they are state-of-the-art and effective in carrying out their intended purpose.
He said: “The fact that for the last three years there has been not a single piracy attack in the national waters of Nigeria just demonstrates the effectiveness.
“And of course this also demonstrates and replicates the fact that commerce will return and come back. Which in turn is going to help the economy of the country”.
He also wished Nigeria success in its bid for a seat on the IMO Council, saying the country has been doing good work and deserves to be part of the council.
On his part, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said the demonstration of the Deep Blue project’s capabilities was not a fluke, but a reality that showcases the country’s commitment to maritime security. He thanked the security agencies for their collaboration, which has been instrumental in achieving this feat.
He commended the collaborative efforts of the agencies involved in the project, stating that though funding was tough the federal government has remained to terminate piracy on Nigerian waters.
“And I must commend the various agencies, the security agencies particularly, for the collaboration. That means with teamwork, there’s nothing you cannot achieve. We will try to sustain it.
“It’s tough in terms of funding. But the federal government is determined to ensure that there’s no piracy in the waters. That’s part of what will allow us to harness the potential of the economy”, Oyetola said.
The Deep Blue project is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to maritime security and its potential to become a leader in the maritime industry.
With the IMO’s support, Nigeria is poised to make even greater strides in the sector.