Maritime Safety Agency Strengthens Collaboration with Navy on Hydrography and Wreck Removal

In order to maintain better navigation safety and wreck disposal in the country’s seas, the Nigerian Navy has stepped up its cooperation with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the field of hydrography.

During a familiarization visit to NIMASA, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, the flag officer in charge of Western Naval Command (FOC-WNC), made this call.

The FOC, who recognized the benefits of NIMASA’s long-standing collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, pointed out that this collaboration has resulted in the peace that is currently observed in the Nigerian maritime domain.

The FOC West added that improved information exchange will greatly increase security in the country’s maritime domain through the integration of the Navy’s Falcon Eye system with NIMASA’s C4i Center.

“I would want to take this opportunity to thank NIMASA for providing and maintaining platforms under the Nigerian Navy’s Deep Blue Project. Our operations have significantly improved as a result,” Rear Admiral Mustapha said.

He went on to say that NIMASA’s wreck removal operations would be much improved by the two recently acquired hydrographic vessels, which can pinpoint the precise location and magnitude of wrecks.

“Using cutting-edge vessels like NNS Lana and NNS Ochuzor has undoubtedly contributed to improved safety standards within the maritime sector,” he said. Therefore, it is crucial that we work together to maintain these standards by strengthening our partnership with NIMASA.

In response, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the director general of NIMASA, stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s economic diversification strategy is based on increased security in Nigeria’s territorial seas.

“The maritime sector is at the forefront of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the federal government’s economic diversification policy, and it is our shared obligation (NIMASA and the Navy) to deliver a safe and secure maritime space for maritime activities to thrive,” he said. Therefore, the foundation of these goals is attaining the highest levels of security in our maritime region, which is what allows shipping firms the confidence to make investments in the industry.

The NIMASA DG also thanked Adegboyega Oyetola, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for his assistance, pointing out that his steadfast dedication to the growth of the Blue Economy sector has continued to produce benefits.