Following the success of its maritime security architecture known as the Deep Blue Project, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is considering an expansion of the project, which impact has been felt across the Gulf of Guinea.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said this when he led a delegation on a strategic visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday.

Dr Mobereola congratulated the CNS who had previously served as Commander of the Maritime Guard Command (MGC) in NIMASA and further called for continued partnership that has underscored the successes recorded in maritime security in Nigeria.

"It is important that we continue our partnership and strengthen our relationship. Our purpose here is to congratulate you, and to discuss the benefits of the Deep Blue Project; how to sustain it, expand it, and increase its impact in the Gulf of Guinea.

"We have the backing of the President, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Navy, and we are working towards presenting our proposal on the necessary improvements to be undertaken,” the DG stated.

Highlighting the strategic gains of the Deep Blue Project, which has attained global recognition, Dr. Mobereola emphasised that "the Deep Blue Project is vital and countries around Africa and some other parts of the world are coming to copy our model. The IMO is asking how a civilian organisation was able to achieve this feat. It is therefore important that we continue to collaborate and do even better for greater sustainability”.

Dr. Mobereola also congratulated the Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, who is joining the NIMASA governing Board as the Navy's representative.

Responding, the CNS, Vice Admiral Idi Abass commended the Agency for the success achieved in the maritime sector and acknowledged NIMASA’s continued support to the Nigerian Navy.

He said, "part of my command objective is to work in synergy with other agencies to achieve our goal as a country. We complement each other so we have no option than to collaborate and synergise.”

Admiral Abass also noted that the MoU between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, which has been in place since 2007 should be revisited with a view to strengthening the collaboration saying that the Navy has adequate capacity to provide support to the Agency in the areas of vessel repair, hydrographic surveys and chartings.

The CNS also canvassed NIMASA's assistance for wreck removal, particularly as the Navy gears towards its 70th Anniversary where it looks forward to welcoming foreign ships.

He further commended NIMASA for its recent launch of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) Application Portal, noting that the Agency has come a long way in its planned disbursement of the fund.

This visit is part of Dr. Mobereola’s commitment to collaboration as a core pillar of delivering on the mandate of NIMASA in the areas of maritime safety and security, environmental protection and sustainability as well as capacity building.

•PHOTO: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola presenting a souvenir to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass.

Update news