Maritime safety: NIMASA, Navy deepen ties on hydrography, surveillance

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen maritime safety and security through enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, with a specific focus on hydrography.

This commitment was brought to the fore during a familiarization visit to the NIMASA Headquarters in Lagos by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command (FOC-WNC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha.

During the visit, Rear Admiral Mustapha acknowledged the agency’s longstanding partnership with the Navy, noting that this synergy has been pivotal to the relative tranquility currently enjoyed within Nigeria’s maritime domain. 

He commended NIMASA for its sustained logistical support, particularly under the Deep Blue Project, where the agency provides and maintains platforms operated by naval personnel to bolster surveillance and enforcement.

The FOC emphasized that deeper integration of information-sharing systems specifically linking NIMASA’s Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence (C4i) Centre with the Navy’s Falcon Eye system would significantly optimize maritime domain awareness.

Furthermore, Mustapha advocated for closer cooperation in hydrography. 

He noted that the deployment of modern hydrographic vessels, such as NNS Lana and NNS Ochuzor, has improved safety standards. 

He added that utilizing these assets to accurately identify the location and size of wrecks would greatly enhance NIMASA’s wreck removal operations and overall navigational safety.

In his response, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the security of Nigeria’s territorial waters as fundamental to President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification strategy.

Dr. Mobereola stated that a secure maritime environment is the bedrock of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s Blue Economy policy. 

He stressed that safety is a prerequisite for attracting investment and ensuring that maritime activities thrive.

The DG also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola noting that the Minister’s dedication to the sector continues to yield positive economic results for the nation.