In a significant move to bolster maritime security, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, visited the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). This visit underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance the cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA, aiming for sustainable security in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Vice Admiral Ogalla commended NIMASA for its diligent implementation of national and international regulatory frameworks that enhance maritime safety and security. He emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting NIMASA’s initiatives.
“I want to appreciate NIMASA for the collaboration with the Nigerian Navy which is to achieve a common goal of better securing the Nigerian maritime domain, thus promoting an enabling environment for business to thrive with a multiplier effect of improved contributions to the Gross Domestic Product from the maritime industry. Our role as prescribed by the Armed Forces Act is for the Navy to coordinate the enforcement of all maritime laws associated with Nigeria. We will support you at NIMASA to succeed,” Vice Admiral Ogalla stated.
He also praised NIMASA’s efforts in implementing the Cabotage Act and the C4i center of the Deep Blue Project. “The NIMASA C4i center, which is a maritime domain awareness facility, is useful to the Nigerian Armed Forces including the Nigerian Police. I will visit the facility today and our focus is better cooperation and information sharing,” he added.
NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, acknowledged the critical role the Nigerian Navy has played in supporting NIMASA’s mandates. He assured the Navy of continuous support and expressed readiness to explore additional partnership areas, including a review of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities.
“Your visit today personally to NIMASA is a confirmation of your commitment to the NIMASA/Nigerian Navy collaboration. I must acknowledge the role of the Nigerian Navy in the NIMASA journey so far. Nigeria’s attainment of zero piracy report in recent times is a result of the support of the Navy. Security is key to unlocking the nation’s maritime potentials, as a well-secured maritime domain will be a catalyst to attract foreign investment into Nigeria. On the MoU, we are with you in reviewing it and making it more effective taking into consideration the reality on ground. We want to sustain our zero piracy status,” Dr. Mobereola stated.
Dr. Mobereola also highlighted the recent extension of Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone by 20 nautical miles, noting the increased responsibilities this expansion entails for both NIMASA and the Navy.
The visit underscores the continued dedication to enhancing maritime security and cooperation between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, promising further improvements in securing Nigeria’s maritime environment.