The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is considering an expansion of its flagship maritime security initiative, the Deep Blue Project, following its recorded successes across the Gulf of Guinea and growing international recognition.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this during a strategic courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abass, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Mobereola commended the Nigerian Navy for its strong collaboration with NIMASA in the implementation of the Deep Blue Project and congratulated Vice Admiral Abass, who previously served as Maritime Guard Commander under the Agency. He stressed the need for sustained partnership to ensure the project’s longevity and increased impact.
“It is important that we continue our partnership and strengthen our relationship,” Mobereola said. “Our visit is to congratulate you and to discuss the benefits of the Deep Blue Project—how to sustain it, expand it, and further enhance its impact across the Gulf of Guinea.
“We are confident of the support of Mr President, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Navy. On this basis, we are working towards presenting proposals on the necessary improvements to be undertaken,” he added.
The NIMASA DG underscored the global relevance of the Deep Blue Project, noting that it has attracted commendation from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
“The Deep Blue Project is vital. Countries across Africa and beyond are coming to understudy and adopt our model. The IMO has even queried how a civilian agency was able to achieve such a feat. This makes continued collaboration imperative for sustainability and improved outcomes,” Mobereola stated.
He also congratulated the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, on his appointment to the NIMASA Governing Board as the Nigerian Navy’s representative.
In his response, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, welcomed the NIMASA delegation and praised the Agency for its contributions to maritime safety and security, as well as its continued support for the Navy.
“One of my command objectives is to work in synergy with sister agencies to achieve national goals,” Abass said. “We complement one another, and collaboration is not optional—it is essential.”
The CNS, however, pointed out the need to review the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, which has been in force since 2007. He also urged NIMASA to leverage the Navy’s capacity in areas such as vessel repairs, hydrographic surveys, and nautical charting.
Additionally, Abass sought NIMASA’s support for wreck removal operations, especially as the Nigerian Navy prepares for its 70th anniversary celebration, which is expected to host foreign naval vessels.
He further commended NIMASA for the recent launch of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) Application Portal, noting that the Agency has made significant progress towards the long-anticipated disbursement of the fund.
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2026-02-05