Deep Blue project shows power of inter-agency collaboration — Nigerian Navy
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has graduated 177 personnel under its maritime security capacity development programme as part of efforts to strengthen safety and surveillance within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking at the C4i Capability Demonstration and Graduation Ceremony held in Lagos, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the training was designed to improve operational efficiency, intelligence coordination and rapid response capabilities in the nation’s maritime domain.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola and the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Abubakar Mustapha during the Deep Blue Operational Maritime/C4i Capability Demonstration and Graduation ceremony in Lagos.
Mobereola disclosed that the graduands comprised 33 Special Mission Vessel Officers, 14 Special Mission Vessel Engineers, 107 Fast Intervention Boat Operators, Technicians and Boarding Team members, as well as 23 Helicopter Team personnel.
According to him, the participants underwent intensive training in helicopter operations, medical evacuation, vessel landing and clearing, interceptor boat tactical operations and maneuvering, communications, unmanned aerial systems capability, and first aid/combat medic procedures.
Mobereola noted that the programme forms part of ongoing efforts to sustain the security gains already achieved through the Deep Blue Project.
He stated that Nigeria has maintained four years of zero piracy incidents in its waters, a development he said has helped reduce war-risk insurance premiums and restore global confidence in the country’s maritime sector.
Mobereola added that the achievements recorded under the Deep Blue Project contributed significantly to Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
He commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his continued support for the maritime sector and the implementation of the Blue Economy agenda.
The NIMASA DG also appreciated the collaboration of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Homeland Security International, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders involved in the training programme.
He urged the graduands to demonstrate professionalism, patriotism, discipline and integrity in the discharge of their duties, while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to sustaining partnerships aimed at building a safer and more resilient maritime sector capable of driving economic growth across Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Abubakar Mustapha, described the Deep Blue Project as a classic example of successful inter-agency collaboration in tackling maritime insecurity within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, at the graduation ceremony of the Deep Blue Maritime Security Unit in Lagos, Rear Admiral Mustapha said the project reflects the strong partnership and shared commitment between the Nigerian Navy, sister security agencies and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) towards enhancing maritime safety and security.
He commended the participants for successfully completing the training programme, noting that the capability demonstration was executed with a high level of operational efficiency and professionalism.
According to him, the ceremony marked not just the completion of a course but the strengthening of the collective resolve to ensure safety, security and prosperity within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Mustapha stated that evolving threats in the maritime environment require professionalism, vigilance, cooperation and continuous capacity development among maritime security personnel.
He praised the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, and the agency’s management for sustaining investments in capacity building and maritime security development.
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The naval commander also acknowledged the contributions of instructors and facilitators of the Deep Blue Project, saying their dedication and professionalism played a major role in the success of the training.
He urged the graduating participants to apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the programme with discipline, professionalism and commitment.
“You must remain vigilant, collaborative and dedicated to the collective goal of safeguarding the Nigerian maritime environment while supporting Nigeria’s Blue Economy aspirations,” he said.
Mustapha reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Vice Admiral Ogalla to continue supporting all legitimate efforts aimed at improving maritime security, safety and national stability.
He added that the Navy would continue to strengthen synergy with NIMASA and other stakeholders to deny criminal elements freedom of action within Nigeria’s maritime space.
