Inter-agency collaboration imperative for sustained maritime security — NIMASA boss

The Nigeria Maritime Admisnistration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has expressed the imperative of a sustained partnership across the Nigeria’s security agencies together with the NIMASA in providing adequate security for the country’s maritime ecosystem.

Speaking at the C4i capability demonstration and graduation ceremony of the security personnel in Lagos, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the Deep Blue Project which houses Nigeria’s modern maritime security architecture has proved to be robust enough to record zero maritime crime in the past four years.

He stated: “While appreciating our partners, particularly the Nigerian Armed Forces, Homeland Security International (HLSI), The Department of State Services(DSS), The Nigerian Police Force, Other Security Agencies, and all stakeholders, I wish to reiterate the shared vision to ensure the sustainability of the Deep Blue Project.

“It is our commitment to strengthen these partnerships for the overall progress of the Nigerian maritime industry.

“Together, we shall continue to build a maritime sector that is safe, secure, resilient, and capable of driving sustainable economic growth for Nigeria and the entire Gulf of Guinea”.

He said the event presents yet another opportunity to demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to building a safer, smarter, and more secure maritime domain.

The 177 graduands comprise of 33 Special Mission Vessel Officers; Special Mission Vessel Engineers; 107 Fast Intervention Boat Operators, Technicians and Boarding Team; and 23 Helicopter Team.

The NIMASA boss said these graduands have undergone rigorous trainings aimed at improving operational efficiency, intelligence coordination, and rapid response capabilities within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea.

The trainings include: Helicopter Operations; Medical Evacuation; Vessel Landing and Clearing; Interceptor Boat Tactical Operations and Maneuver; Communications Training; Unmanned Aerial Systems Capability; and First Aid/Combat Medic.

Mobereola further stated: “We are confident that the knowledge and skills acquired during this programme will further contribute to sustaining the security gains already recorded in our waters.

“It is important to state that for four years now, Nigeria has maintained an impressive record of zero incidence of piracy attacks, leading to reduced war-risk insurance premiums, and restoring Nigeria’s global maritime confidence, all through the instrumentality of the Deep Blue Project.

“Suffice to state that the successes recorded contributed immensely to Nigeria’s election into the Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)”.

To the graduants he stated: “The task ahead is enormous, and what Nigeria expects from you is the highest level of professionalism, discipline, patriotism, and integrity”.