The Federal Government is committed to integrating the Command Control Computer Communication Information System (C4i) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) with the Nigerian Navy’s Falcon Eye surveillance system to enhance the security of Nigeria’s maritime space, according to Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle.
During a working visit to the NIMASA C4i center in Kirikiri over the weekend, Matawalle emphasized the importance of synergy and information sharing among government agencies. He stated that such collaboration is crucial for securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and fostering economic growth.
“I am delighted with what I have seen today at the NIMASA C4i Center. Our goal is to integrate it with the Falcon Eye system of the Nigerian Navy to secure our maritime domain. The Navy and NIMASA must work together to create a safe maritime environment for a prosperous economy,” Matawalle said.
He highlighted that effective communication between the C4i system and the Falcon Eye system would mitigate security challenges in Nigeria’s maritime space, thereby boosting investor confidence in the sector.
NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by Executive Director of Operations, Engineer Fatai Adeyemi, expressed satisfaction with the minister’s visit. He noted that synchronizing the NIMASA C4i with the Falcon Eye would enhance the Federal Government’s efforts to capitalize on the Blue Economy.
“We are pleased to welcome the Honorable Minister of State, Defence at the NIMASA C4i today. This visit underscores the administration’s commitment to effective collaboration among government organs to achieve common goals, particularly maritime security,” Adeyemi remarked.
The NIMASA C4i center, a key component of the Deep Blue Project, uses advanced technology to facilitate real-time security information sharing across all Deep Blue assets, including special mission vessels, helicopters, aircraft, fast intervention vessels, and armored vehicles. The center serves as the hub for situational intelligence gathering and analysis, covering land, air, and maritime domains.
Similarly, the Falcon Eye system of the Nigerian Navy employs an array of sensors along Nigeria’s extensive coastline, including radars, long-range electro-optic systems, automatic identification system receivers, weather stations, and marine Very High Frequency radios. These sensors provide real-time situational awareness of vessel activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain and parts of the Gulf of Guinea.
The integration of NIMASA C4i and Falcon Eye systems is expected to significantly enhance maritime security capabilities and contribute to the overall safety and economic prosperity of Nigeria.