The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have agreed on the necessity of reviewing their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance maritime domain security.
This decision was reached during a meeting held on Monday at NIMASA’s Headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The discussion was led by NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. The naval chief emphasized the Federal Government’s goal of ensuring safety and security in the maritime domain, stressing the need for continuous improvement and expansion of their collaborative efforts.
Vice Admiral Ogalla remarked, “This collaboration is crucial for the safety and security of our maritime domain. We need to revisit the MoU to identify areas for enhancement and new opportunities for cooperation. This is essential for reducing crime, boosting GDP, and improving Nigeria’s economy.”
The longstanding partnership between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy has seen significant developments, including the Deep Blue Project and the Maritime Guard Command project. Admiral Ogalla acknowledged NIMASA’s role as the nation’s maritime regulator, with the navy providing vital support.
“We are committed to supporting NIMASA in enforcing maritime laws and implementing Cabotage laws, despite the challenges. NIMASA has demonstrated readiness and capacity, and we will continue to offer our support wherever needed,” Ogalla stated.
Appreciating NIMASA’s provision of maritime security assets, including vessels and the C4i system, Ogalla highlighted the system’s role as a force multiplier for all maritime security agencies, enhancing their ability to detect and prevent maritime crimes.
“Incessant cases of Automatic Information System (AIS) infractions in Nigerian waters have been a challenge. We have arrested several offending vessels and handed them over to NIMASA. This collaboration is vital to discourage such acts and ensure maritime safety,” he added.
Dr. Mobereola concurred on the importance of reviewing the MoU to strengthen maritime security architecture, especially in light of Nigeria’s recent continental shelf expansion.
“With the recent extension of our continental shelf, it is imperative to enhance our collaboration with the Navy to protect our maritime resources. Our joint efforts have reduced piracy and sea robberies significantly, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth through the Blue Economy,” Mobereola stated.
He also underscored the need for continued cooperation and capacity-building support from the navy to ensure effective use of the maritime space.
The meeting was attended by senior naval officers, including the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, and the Navy’s Director of Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Aliu.
