In their joint effort to wipe out insecurity within the maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) move to review their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to strengthen their cooperation against sea crimes
In their collaborative effort against insecurity at sea, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) recently at their headquarter.
Ogalla said his visit was in support of the ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA, aimed at sustaining security of operators in the maritime domain.
While giving, his address, Vice Admiral Ogalla commended NIMASA’s commitment to implementing both national and international regulatory instruments to boost safety and security in the maritime sector. He reiterated the Navy’s dedication to supporting NIMASA’s mission.
He said, “I want to appreciate NIMASA for the collaboration with the Nigerian Navy which is to achieve a common goal of better securing the Nigerian maritime domain, thus promoting an enabling environment for business to thrive with a multiplier effect of improved contributions to the Gross Domestic Product from the maritime industry.
“Our role as prescribed by the Armed Forces Act is for the Navy to coordinate the enforcement of all maritime laws associated with Nigeria. We will support you at NIMASA to succeed,” Ogalla stated.
Vice Admiral Ogalla also praised NIMASA’s implementation of the Cabotage Act and the C4i center of the Deep Blue Project.
“I acknowledge the efforts of NIMASA in the implementation of the Cabotage Law for the benefit of indigenous players in the industry. We will also improve our support so the Cabotage regime can succeed.
“The NIMASA C4i center, which is a maritime domain awareness facility, is useful to the Nigerian Armed Forces including the Nigerian Police. I will visit the facility today and our focus is better cooperation and information sharing,” he added.
NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, lauded the longstanding support of the Nigerian Navy in helping NIMASA fulfill its mandates. He assured continued support for the Navy and highlighted the importance of their collaboration in achieving national security goals.
“Your visit today personally to NIMASA is a confirmation of your commitment to the NIMASA and Nigerian Navy collaboration. I must acknowledge the role of the Nigerian Navy in the NIMASA journey so far. Nigeria’s attainment of zero piracy report in recent times is a result of the support of the Navy.
“Security is key to unlocking the nation’s maritime potentials, as a well-secured maritime domain will be a catalyst to attract foreign investment into Nigeria. On the MoU, we are with you in reviewing it and making it more effective taking into consideration the reality on ground. We want to sustain our zero piracy status,” Mobereola remarked.
The NIMASA chief also highlighted the recent expansion of Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone by 20 nautical miles, emphasizing the increased responsibility this brings for both the Navy and NIMASA.
