The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has stated its readiness to expand its maritime security architecture known as deep blue project it midwife years ago.
This is sequel to the success of the project which impact has been felt across the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) and gained global recognition, to ensure sustainability and greater impact.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola who made this known during his visit to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abass at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja recently commended the Navy for its harmonious collaboration with NIMASA.
He used the occasion to congratulate the CNS who had previously served as Maritime Guard Commander under the agency even as he called for continued partnership with the Navy under his watch.
His words: “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 on the Gulf of Guinea.
“We are yconfident that we have the backing of the President, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Navy. Hence, we are working towards presenting our proposal on the necessary improvements to be undertaken”.
He acknowledged the importance of the deep blue project, noting that its impact resonates globally with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) commending it.
“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,” he said.
He also congratulated the Chief of Operations, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum who is joining the NIMASA governing Board as a representative of the Navy.
A statement by NIMASA Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward quoted the CNS welcoming Mobereola and his delegation to his office just as he commended the agency for the good work it is doing in the maritime sector and its continued support to the Nigerian Navy.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, the CNS said: “Part of my command’s objective is to work in synergy with other agencies to achieve our goal as a country. We complement each other. We have no option rather than collaborate and synergize.”
Abass noted some concerns which include the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy which has been in place since 2007 and should be revisited.
He also solicited for the Navy to be called upon for such needs as vessel repair, hydrographic surveys and chartings, stating the Navy’s capacity in handling such tasks.
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.
