By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have renewed their strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening maritime security, enhancing safety and improving coordinated enforcement across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The agreement was signed at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Abuja by the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
The renewed MoU marks the first formal review of the partnership since the original agreement was signed in 2007 and is expected to provide a stronger framework for collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s waters and supporting the growth of the nation’s Blue Economy.
A major highlight of the renewed agreement is the integration of the Deep Blue Project into the collaborative framework, a move expected to further strengthen cooperation between the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the project in tackling maritime crimes and security threats.
The agreement also provides a framework for enhanced collaboration in the implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and other maritime laws and regulations within NIMASA’s mandate.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his commitment to fostering inter-agency collaboration as a critical tool for improving maritime security and unlocking the full potential of the Blue Economy.
According to Mobereola, the renewed MoU will strengthen institutional cooperation between both organisations, enabling them to more effectively discharge their statutory responsibilities while consolidating the gains already achieved in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He noted that the agreement would enhance information sharing, operational coordination and joint responses to emerging maritime security challenges.
“As we renew this partnership today, I urge our respective teams to ensure that the spirit of this agreement translates into practical and measurable outcomes,” he said.
The NIMASA Director-General also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their continued support and commitment to maritime security initiatives.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas described the signing of the MoU as a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA.
He stated that the renewed agreement contains important additions designed to strengthen the response to evolving maritime security threats, particularly through the integration of the Deep Blue Project and the introduction of a joint reporting protocol for communication and information sharing during operations.
According to him, the reporting protocol will facilitate timely decision-making and ensure more coordinated responses to incidents at sea.
The Naval Chief also welcomed provisions for greater institutional engagement, including the introduction of an annual conference that will enable both organisations to review progress, strengthen collaboration and address emerging challenges in the maritime sector.
Emphasising the importance of the maritime industry to Nigeria’s economy, Vice Admiral Abbas noted that a substantial portion of the country’s trade and revenue generation is dependent on activities within the maritime domain, making the protection of the nation’s waters a priority.
The renewed MoU is expected to deepen operational cooperation between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy in areas such as maritime security, intelligence sharing, law enforcement, coordinated responses to maritime incidents and the enforcement of relevant maritime laws.
The agreement reinforces the commitment of both institutions to maintaining a safe, secure and conducive maritime environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic growth.
