By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering maritime security and enhancing inter-agency cooperation following a courtesy visit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Maritime, AIG Chinedu Oko, and the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja.
The visit, which took place during the week at the Agency’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, is part of ongoing collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and improving port efficiency.
During the meeting, AIG Oko underscored the strategic role of a unified security framework in protecting Nigeria’s coastal waters, port facilities, and critical maritime assets.
She commended NIMASA for its continuous leadership in maritime safety regulation, capacity development, and the implementation of the Deep Blue Project.
According to him, sustained cooperation between law enforcement agencies and maritime regulators is essential for safe and efficient maritime operations.
CP Agbaminoja reaffirmed the Ports Authority Police Command’s readiness to provide robust security support across key port corridors, including Apapa, Tincan Island, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Kirikiri and Ikorodu terminals, as well as the Command’s marine unit, which patrols up to 12 nautical miles from the ports.
She emphasized the importance of deepened synergy with NIMASA to tackle maritime crimes, secure vessels and cargo, and support seamless trade facilitation.
NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, welcomed the delegation and reiterated the Agency’s commitment to enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
He highlighted priority areas such as intelligence sharing, joint operations, capacity building, and maritime domain awareness. Mobereola noted that an efficient maritime security system is vital to Nigeria’s economic stability, port competitiveness, and international standing.
Both parties agreed on the need for continuous engagement, operational alignment, and strategic partnerships to strengthen national maritime security and improve service delivery across the maritime sector.