A delegation of 40 Naval Officers from 20 countries worldwide, currently participating in the Siren Course onboard the LHD TONNERRE, paid a visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The purpose of the visit was to engage in knowledge sharing and strengthen maritime security cooperation, underscoring the importance of collaboration in ensuring the safety and security of the maritime domain.
The visit was led by Colonel Stéphane Oseo, Defence Attaché at the French Embassy, who highlighted the significance of understanding how Maritime Administrations operate within the framework of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Safety and Security in West and Central Africa. This architecture serves as a critical component in promoting maritime security in the region, and the visit aimed to deepen the officers’ understanding of its operations.
Colonel Oseo commended the partnership between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA, describing it as a model worthy of study. He noted that the collaboration had been particularly effective in enhancing security coordination in the Gulf of Guinea, a region that has faced significant maritime security challenges in the past. The Nigerian Navy and NIMASA’s synergy has served as a beacon of hope for improved maritime security in the region.
The 40 participants, representing 20 countries, have been onboard the LHD TONNERRE since September 1st and made a port call in Lagos for two days. During their visit, they engaged with officials from NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project, focusing on strategies for maritime domain awareness and inter-agency coordination. These discussions are crucial in promoting a cohesive approach to maritime security, leveraging the expertise of various stakeholders.
In addition to their engagement with NIMASA officials, the team visited the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC), where they received a briefing on Nigeria’s operational procedures for maritime search and rescue coordination. This exposure is vital in enhancing the officers’ understanding of the country’s response mechanisms to maritime emergencies, facilitating more effective coordination in the future.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the naval officers to gain insights into NIMASA’s efforts to promote maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea. By sharing knowledge and best practices, the officers can apply the lessons learned to their respective countries, contributing to improved maritime security across the region.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by Mr. Heaky Dimowo, Director of Marine Environment Management, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to sustained regional collaboration. He emphasized that such partnerships are essential in addressing the complex challenges facing the maritime domain, ensuring the safety of lives and property at sea.
Newspoint247online.com.ng reports that the knowledge-sharing engagement between NIMASA and the naval Officers from 20 countries underscores the importance of international cooperation in promoting maritime security. By fostering such partnerships, NIMASA is contributing to a safer and more secure maritime environment, not only in Nigeria but also across the Gulf of Guinea.
