The Nigerian Navy (NN) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have resolved to join forces on hydrography and wreck removal in the nation’s waterways.
To this end, the two organisations have called for increased collaboration to sustain improved safety of navigation in Nigerian waters.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha made this public during a familiarization visit to NIMASA Headquarters in Lagos where he also acknowledged the gains recorded from NIMASA’s longstanding partnership with NN.
Mustapha noted that “the longstanding and unwavering partnership NIMASA has maintained with the Nigerian Navy has culminated in the current tranquility being witnessed within the Nigerian maritime domain, and it is a clear testament to the strength of this partnership.”
NIMASA in a statement signed by its Deputy Director and Head, Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward quoted the FOC saying that enhanced information sharing through the integration of NIMASA’s C4i Centre with NN Falcon Eye system would significantly improve security within the nation’s maritime domain.
Mustapha’s words: “I would like to use this opportunity to commend NIMASA for providing and maintaining platforms under the Deep Blue Project, which are operated by the Nigerian Navy. This has greatly enhanced our operations.”
He added that the two newly acquired hydrographic vessels, with the capability to identify the exact location and size of wrecks, would significantly enhance NIMASA’s operations in wreck removal.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, utilizing advanced vessels such as NNS Lana and NNS Ochuzor has undoubtedly contributed to improved safety standards within the maritime sector. It is therefore important that we jointly sustain these standards through deeper collaboration with NIMASA.
On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola was quoted saying that improved security in Nigeria’s territorial waters remains the backbone of President Bola Tinubu administration’s economic diversification policy.
Mobereola’s words: “The maritime sector is at the forefront of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the Federal Government’s economic diversification policy and it is our shared obligation (NIMASA and the Navy) to deliver a safe and secure maritime space for maritime activities to thrive. Accordingly, achieving optimum security levels in our maritime area is the backbone of these aims and is what gives shipping companies the confidence to invest in the sector”.
The NIMASA helmsman also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, noting that his unwavering commitment to the development of the Blue Economy sector has continued to yield results.
