NIMASA, Nigerian Navy Renew 18-Year Pact, Integrate Deep Blue To Secure Waters, Drive Blue Economy
Caption 2: MoU Exchange* _Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, display a signed copy of the renewed MoU between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja
NIMASA, Nigerian Navy Renew 18-Year Pact, Integrate Deep Blue To Secure Waters, Drive Blue Economy
…*New MoU introduces joint reporting protocol and annual review to tackle evolving maritime threats
In a landmark move to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Navy have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to deepen strategic collaboration on security, safety and enforcement.
The agreement was signed at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja by the Director-General of NIMASA, _Dr. Dayo Mobereola_, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, _Vice Admiral Idi Abbas_.
This marks the first formal review of the partnership since the original MoU was signed in 2007.
_L-R: Director, Legal Services, NIMASA, Heaky Dimowo; Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and Commander, Maritime Guard Command, Commodore Reginald Adoki, during the signing of the renewed NIMASA/Nigerian Navy MoU at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja._
The renewed agreement is designed to consolidate gains in maritime security and create a more robust platform for protecting trade, investment and economic activities at sea.
A major highlight is the full integration of the _Deep Blue Project_ into the joint operational framework. This is expected to enhance synergy between the Navy’s _Maritime Guard Command_ and Deep Blue assets in responding to piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
The MoU also strengthens collaboration for the 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 under NIMASA’s purview.
To ensure seamless operations, the agreement introduces two key institutional tools: *Joint Reporting Protocol*: For real-time information sharing and faster decision-making during maritime incidents.
*Annual Joint Conference: To review progress, assess threats, and align strategies between both organizations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mobereola commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, _Adegboyega Oyetola_, for championing inter-agency collaboration as a driver of maritime security and Blue Economy growth.
“This renewed partnership will strengthen institutional cooperation and enable both agencies to discharge our statutory mandates more effectively. I charge our teams to ensure this agreement delivers practical and measurable outcomes for safer seas and a prosperous Blue Economy,” the DG stated.
He also applauded the Nigerian Navy for its consistent support and commitment to securing Nigeria’s waters.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas described the signing as a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the Navy and NIMASA.
“A substantial portion of Nigeria’s trade and revenue comes from the maritime sector. Protecting our waters is therefore a national priority.
This renewed MoU, with the integration of Deep Blue and new communication protocols, will ensure more coordinated and timely responses to security threats at sea,” the CNS said.
The Naval Chief added that the annual conference provision will provide a structured platform to address emerging challenges and sustain collaboration.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in areas of intelligence sharing, law enforcement, maritime surveillance, incident response, and enforcement of maritime regulations.
The agreement reinforces the Federal Government’s objective of maintaining a safe, secure and investment-friendly maritime environment to support trade, create jobs, and unlock the full potential of the Blue Economy.
*PHOTO CAPTIONS*
*Caption 1: Group Photograph*
_L-R: Director, Legal Services, NIMASA, Heaky Dimowo; Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and Commander, Maritime Guard Command, Commodore Reginald Adoki, during the signing of the renewed NIMASA/Nigerian Navy MoU at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja._
*Caption 2: MoU Exchange*
_Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, display a signed copy of the renewed MoU between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja._
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