Naval Officers from 20 countries across the world currently on the Siren Course onboard the LHD TONNERRE have visited the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a knowledge-sharing engagement aimed at strengthening maritime security cooperation.

The team, led by the Defence Attaché, at the French Embassy, Colonel Stéphane Oseo explained that the visit sought to deepen understanding of how Maritime Administrations operate within the framework of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Safety and Security in West and Central Africa.

He described the collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA as a model partnership worthy of study, particularly for its effectiveness in enhancing security coordination in the Gulf of Guinea.

The 40 participants, drawn from 20 different countries, have been onboard the vessel since September 1st, making a port call in Lagos for two days. During the visit, they engaged with NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project officials on strategies for maritime domain awareness and inter-agency coordination.

The team also visited the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC), where they were briefed on Nigeria’s operational procedures for maritime search and rescue coordination.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Director of Marine Environment Management, Mr. Heaky Dimowo, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to sustained regional collaboration for improved maritime safety and security across the Gulf of Guinea.

•PHOTO: Naval Officers from 20 countries currently on Siren Course onboard the LHD TONNERRE during a visit to the NIMASA C4i Centre at Kirikiri, Lagos.