The Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have renewed their commitment to strengthening maritime security and creating a safer environment for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
The commitment followed the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, aimed at deepening cooperation across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, Principal Staff Officers and other senior officials of both organisations.
According to an official statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, the renewed agreement builds on a partnership that dates back to 2007 and has been sustained through successive renewals.
The MoU is expected to align the complementary mandates, capabilities and expertise of both institutions towards improving maritime safety, security and other national interests within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Speaking before the signing, Mobereola described the renewal as a reaffirmation of the shared commitment of the Navy and NIMASA to the security, safety, sustainability and prosperity of Nigeria’s maritime domain and Blue Economy.
He stressed that Nigeria’s economic wellbeing was closely linked to the sea, making the protection of the country’s maritime space a national imperative.
The NIMASA chief acknowledged the Nigerian Navy as a critical pillar of the country’s maritime security architecture and recognised its operational support to the agency in carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
Similarly, Vice Admiral Abbas described the renewed MoU as a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two institutions, noting that their collaboration was founded on shared national interests.
He expressed confidence in the leadership and progress of NIMASA, while pledging the Navy’s continued operational support for the effective discharge of the agency’s mandate over the next five years.
Under the renewed framework, both institutions will expand cooperation in maritime safety and security, marine pollution control, search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, intelligence and information sharing, hydrography, training and professional capacity development.
The collaboration is also expected to enhance maritime domain awareness, improve coordinated responses to incidents at sea and strengthen the protection of ships, crew, cargo, passengers and navigation within Nigerian waters.
The agreement further provides for improved information exchange, utilisation of relevant facilities and capabilities, and cooperation in other areas of mutual interest.
To ensure accountability and sustained implementation, the two organisations will conduct regular institutional reviews and jointly convene an annual Maritime Safety and Security Conference to assess progress and address emerging challenges.
The Nigerian Navy said the strengthened partnership would contribute to protecting lives and property, safeguarding legitimate maritime activities and creating an enabling environment for the growth of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
The Navy also reaffirmed its commitment to working with NIMASA, sister Services and other security agencies to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
