Nigerian Maritime Administration and safety agency, NIMASA, has reiterated its commitment to ensure the safety and security of the country’s territorial waters. The agency said that the removal of Nigeria from the global piracy prone list was a testament to the commitment of keeping the waterways safe for the overall importance of the country’s Maritime business and security. Speaking at the 2024 graduation ceremony of the advanced combat training program for the Maritime security unit of the Deep Blue project, Dr Dayo Mobereola,MD/CEO of NIMASA said the commissioning of the Armoured Vehicle Workshop at the event was a testament “to our dedication to enhancing our maritime capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of our waters”. Mobereola said the milestone achievement demonstrated the unwavering resolve to protect the nation’s interests and safeguard the future of the maritime domain. “Our Agency’s mission is to ensure maritime safety, security, and infrastructural development, which is fundamental to harnessing the boundless potential of our waters for national prosperity.
“The graduates of this continuous capacity development training will serve as guardians of our maritime assets, safeguarding our waters against piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime smuggling, and ensuring the safety and security of our marine resources. Their training in tactical shooting drills, operational demonstrations, and other essential skills prepares them to respond effectively to any challenges that may arise, thereby safeguarding our national interests and driving economic prosperity”. Dr. Mobereola said that the Deep Blue Project emphasises the importance of collaboration and partnership, involving various stakeholders such as the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with NIMASA serving as the lead facilitator, and the private sector. “It is noteworthy that Nigeria was delisted from the list last year after a sustained period of zero piracy attacks in Nigerian waters”, he said.. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the successful intervention of the Deep Blue Project has ensured zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters in 2022, adding that with the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) removing the country from its piracy list, the Federal government was committed to sustain the feat.
Speaking at the BnNA Barracks in Elele Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State, venue of the event on Thursday, Oyetola noted that the achievement has been commended by the United Nations Security Council, which acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in maritime security. The Deep Blue Project was designed for specific goals, each is vital to the safety and security in the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as for the country’s economy. The objectives of the Deep Blue Project includes: a true and real time presentation of an integrated maritime situation picture of the Nigerian waters, creation of quality targets for operation based on Intelligence, prevention of illegal activity in the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), enforcement of maritime regulations, enhancing the safety of lives and property at the maritime environment, prevention of illegal activities in the sea and the inland waterways, enhancing the enforcement capabilities of NIMASA to generate revenue. Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, during his keynote address noted that the event is not just a graduation ceremony but also a testament of hardwork, dedication and commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain.
Abubakar reminded the graduates that they have the responsibilities of safeguarding the waters and ensuring that they remain safe, secure and free from all forms of threats. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Maritime Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, remarked that the graduation ceremony marks the transformative milestone in the collective endeavours of Nigerians to secure the nation’s maritime domain. Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E.I Ogalla, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.A Akinwande, the components of the project include: the establishment of the special force – Maritime Security Unit (MSU) with 337 highly trained and well Equipped operative ASIO (Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence & Observation) System, three Special Mission Helicopters (SMHs) for search, rescue and intervention by the Maritime Security Unit, sixteen Armored Vehicles for Maritime Security Unit, seventeen Interceptor for Maritime Security Unit, two Special Mission Vessels (SMVs) with Intelligence mission equipment onboard, four Unmanned Ariel Systems (UAS) each consists of 3 UAVs, communication equipment (VHF, HF), C4I Command and Control Center including Maritime intelligence system, dynamic maritime security awareness software & Cyber Intelligence, training of all operational forces.
