Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is considering an expansion of its flagship maritime security architecture, the Deep Blue Project, following its widely acknowledged success in curbing insecurity across the Gulf of Guinea.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this during a strategic visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Mobereola said the expansion was necessary to ensure long-term sustainability of the initiative, which he noted has earned global commendation, including recognition from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
“It is important that we continue our partnership and strengthen our relationship. Our purpose here is to congratulate you and to discuss the benefits of the Deep Blue Project; how to sustain it, expand it, and increase its impact on the Gulf of Guinea,” the DG said.
The NIMASA boss expressed confidence that the proposed improvements to the project would receive the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Navy.
He also lauded the Navy’s role in the success of the security framework, noting that countries across Africa and beyond are now studying Nigeria’s model.
Mobereola further congratulated Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, the Navy’s Chief of Operations, on his appointment to the NIMASA Governing Board as the Navy’s representative.
Vice Admiral Abass, in his remarks, commended NIMASA for its contributions to maritime security and its continued support to the Navy. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation.
“Part of my command’s objective is to work in synergy with other agencies to achieve our goal as a country. We complement each other. We have no option other than to collaborate and synergise,” Abass stated.
The Naval Chief called for a review of the longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIMASA and the Navy, which has been in effect since 2007. He also urged the Agency to consider the Navy for vessel repairs, hydrographic surveys, and charting areas where the naval service has proven capacity.
Abass further requested NIMASA’s support in wreck removal activities as the Navy prepares to mark its 70th Anniversary, which will feature visits by foreign naval vessels.
He also commended NIMASA for launching the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) application portal, describing it as a significant step towards disbursement of the long-awaited fund.