By Steve Agbota
Following the zero piracy incidents Nigeria recorded in the last four years, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has called on the federal government to sustain investment in its maritime security for economic growth.
This is even as he described the nation’s maritime architecture-Deep Blue Project as a model of effective maritime security coordination in the Gulf of Guinea.
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Domínguez who stated this during his official three-day visit to Nigeria, where he inspected the operational base of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) at the Nigerian Navy Underwater Jetty, Ojo, Lagos, said
the federal government needs to sustain the initiative for long-term stability and economic emancipation.
Speaking alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the IMO chief identified the nation’s Deep Blue Project as one of the most impressive displays of maritime security coordination he has witnessed globally.
“Maritime security is critically important for Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, and the results speak for themselves. I strongly encourage the government to sustain it. The impact is clear improved security supports the economy, trade, and the confidence of the international maritime community,” he said.
The Deep Blue Project, spearheaded by NIMASA, integrates multiple layers of security from air and sea assets to intelligence coordination among agencies to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. The project has been credited with achieving zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s national waters over the past three years.
However, Oyetola emphasised that the mariitme security initiative put in place by the Federal Government underscores Nigeria’s capability to safeguard its maritime domain and reflects the government’s commitment to international security standards.
“The Deep Blue Project is a multi-layered security architecture that brings together various agencies in collaboration. Our determination is to sustain the project so that no barriers or interruptions affect its effectiveness. It has proven its capacity to secure our waters and protect our maritime economy,” Oyetola added.
He added that the project’s success enhances Nigeria’s credentials as the country seeks re-election into the IMO Council, a key decision-making body within the global maritime organization.
“With this progress, we can present a strong case for Nigeria’s election to the IMO Council, Our goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s voice in shaping global maritime policy,” he noted.
After touring the project’s facilities, Domínguez praised the sophistication of NIMASA’s assets and the professionalism of its personnel.
Capping the visit, NIMASA’s Special Forces staged a thrilling live demonstration to showcase their tactical expertise and commitment under the Deep Blue Project.
The exercise, held in honor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, and NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola fondly hailed as “Baba Deep Blue” featured a simulated high-sea rescue and counter-piracy operation involving interceptor boats, special mission helicopters, and C4I command coordination.
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