The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA) has reiterated it’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the Deep Blue Project through strengthened partnerships and continuous capacity development aimed at sustaining maritime security gains in Nigeria’s waters.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola stated this in Lagos on Tuesday during the graduation ceremony of 177 personnel trained under the Deep Blue Maritime Security Unit and Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence (C4i) capability demonstration.
“I wish to reiterate the shared vision to ensure the sustainability of the deep blue project. It is our commitment to strengthening these partnerships for the overall progress of the Nigerian maritime industry, ” he said.
The graduands comprised 33 Special Mission Vessel Officers, 14 Special Mission Vessel Engineers, 107 Fast Intervention Boat drivers, technicians and boarding team members, as well as helicopter operations personnel.
According to the NIMASA DG, the personnel underwent rigorous training programmes designed to improve professional efficiency, intelligence coordination and rapid response capabilities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Mobereola expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme would further enhance maritime security operations and help sustain the gains already recorded in Nigeria’s waters.
He noted that Nigeria has maintained four consecutive years without piracy incidents in its waters, a development he said had reduced war risk insurance premiums and restored global confidence in the nation’s maritime sector.
The NIMASA boss added that the successes achieved under the Deep Blue Project contributed significantly to Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization.
He also commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for his continued support towards advancing the nation’s blue economy agenda.
While congratulating the graduands, Mobereola charged them to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“The task ahead is enormous, and what Nigeria expects from you is the highest level of professionalism, discipline and integrity,” he said.
He also appreciated the contributions of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Homeland Security International, HLSI, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Police and other stakeholders for their support towards the success of the deep blue project.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abass , said the graduation ceremony underscored the strong collaboration between the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA and other security agencies in enhancing maritime security within Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral, Abdulahi Mustapha, the Naval Chief described the Deep Blue Project as a classic example of effective inter-agency collaboration.
He noted that the maritime domain continues to face evolving threats that require vigilance, professionalism, cooperation and sustained capacity development among maritime security personnel.
Abass commended Mobereola and the management of NIMASA for sustaining investment in maritime security and capacity building.
“The agency (NIMASA) has continued to play a strategic role in supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime governance and operational effectiveness in the Nigerian maritime space. I therefore appreciate the instructors and facilitators of the Deep Blue whose dedication and professionality have contributed immensely to the success of this program, ” he said.
He urged the graduands to apply the knowledge acquired during the training with discipline and commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and supporting the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
“The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with NMASA and other stakeholders shall continue to strengthen synergy in order to deny the criminal elements freedom of action within our maritime space, ” he said.
In her welcome address, , the Head of the Deep Blue Project at NIMASA, Mrs Gladys Owolabi said sustainability remains the hallmark of the project’s consistency, progress and continuous enhancement.
She explained that the sustainability agenda includes extensive training, maintenance and effective coordination of the various assets and platforms deployed under the Deep Blue Project.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the tactical capability demonstration which showcased high operational readiness of the trained personnel.
The training covered helicopter operations, medical evacuation, vessel landing, tactical operations and manoeuvres, communications, unmanned aerial systems capabilities and combat methods.
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