By ebosele@hotmail.com
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have renewed their strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening maritime security, enhancing safety and deepening coordinated enforcement across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
City Business News reports that the MoU was signed at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Abuja by the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
The renewed agreement marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two institutions and represents the first formal renewal of their partnership since the original MoU was signed in 2007.
The agreement provides a framework for enhanced collaboration in promoting and maintaining maritime security and ensuring effective implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and other relevant maritime laws and regulations within NIMASA’s mandate.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mobereola commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration as a key driver of maritime security and the development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
He said the renewed MoU would provide a stronger institutional framework for both organisations to effectively discharge their statutory mandates while consolidating the gains already recorded in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
According to him, the agreement would also support the achievement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s objectives for the Blue Economy by addressing emerging maritime security challenges through improved coordination, information sharing and operational cooperation.
“As we renew this partnership today, I urge our respective teams to ensure that the spirit of this agreement translates into practical and measurable outcomes,” Mobereola said.
The NIMASA Director-General also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their continued support and commitment to strengthening the partnership.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas described the signing as a milestone in the enduring relationship between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA.
He said the renewed MoU contained important additions designed to strengthen the agencies’ response to the evolving nature of maritime security challenges.
A key provision, according to him, is the integration of the Deep Blue Project into the collaborative framework, providing a stronger basis for cooperation between the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the project.
He also highlighted the introduction of a joint reporting protocol for communication and information sharing during operations, which he said would facilitate timely decision-making and enable a more coordinated response to maritime incidents.
The Chief of the Naval Staff further welcomed provisions for greater institutional engagement, including an annual conference to strengthen collaboration, review progress and address emerging challenges.
“Whether we like it or not, the water is where we get whatever we are getting—our revenue, everything, and even the trade we engage in, in large percentages, is done through the water. So this institution has to be very strong,” Abbas said.
The renewed MoU is expected to deepen operational cooperation between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy in maritime security, information sharing, coordinated responses to maritime incidents and enforcement of applicable maritime laws, among other areas.
The partnership is also expected to contribute to a safer and more secure maritime environment, supporting increased economic activity and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
