Honorable Uduak Odudoh, Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration, has called for exploring alternative funding sources for the Deep Blue Project, formally known as the Federal Government Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure Project. The project, currently funded by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, aims to bolster maritime security in Nigerian waters.
Speaking after witnessing the Maritime Security Unit (MSU) Operational Maritime Capability Demonstration in Lagos, Honorable Odudoh acknowledged the significant role the Deep Blue Project has played in maintaining peace in Nigerian waters. The event was also attended by Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, and Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command.
“At the IMO Conference last year, Nigeria was greatly commended for the fact that there has not been any pirate attack on our waters in two years. That feat was achieved through the efforts of the Deep Blue Project,” stated Honorable Odudoh. He emphasized the necessity of seeking additional funding sources to sustain the project’s success and reduce oil theft in the Niger Delta. “We have no option but to look at the budget. If more funds are required, we would approve them for the benefit of suppressing security challenges in Nigeria.”
Dr. Dayo Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to the sustainability of the Deep Blue Project. Addressing the Maritime Security Unit, he said, “This project has earned Nigeria international recognition by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and has taken us off the piracy list. We will continue to support and encourage the personnel of the Deep Blue Project. Keep up the effort, as we count on you to make the maritime space more secure.”
The Deep Blue Project has elevated Nigeria’s international standing in maritime security, largely due to the successful partnership between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy. Honorable Odudoh and Dr. Mobereola both highlighted the project’s crucial role in preventing piracy and enhancing maritime security, which in turn boosts national revenue from maritime activities.
During the event, Honorable Odudoh unveiled the newly renovated aircrew accommodation funded by the Deep Blue Project, while Dr. Mobereola commissioned the interceptors’ marine workshop. The demonstrations included various tactical maneuvers such as boat formations, vessel boarding, helicopter rappelling, and hoist rescues, showcasing the operational capabilities of the Maritime Security Unit.
L-R: Captain B.S. Maccoo; Commander Deep Blue, Commodore O.A. Akinbami; Acting Chairman House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Executive Director Operations NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr. Jibril Abba, Country Director, HLSI Nigeria, Tal Spekto during the Deep Blue Security Capability Demonstration exercise in Lagos
The event was attended by key figures, including the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, and Executive Directors of NIMASA, among others.