By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have strengthened their operational collaboration NIMASA moves to digitise ship registry, targets global competitivenessto enhance maritime security and safeguard Nigeria’s blue economy.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The renewed commitment followed a courtesy visit by the NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking during the visit, Mobereola underscored the critical role of maritime security in ensuring economic stability, facilitating international trade and sustaining investor confidence.
He noted that Nigeria had recorded zero piracy incidents within its territorial waters over the past four years, describing the achievement as a testament to the professionalism and coordinated efforts NUPRC, NIMASA pledge collaboration to boost Nigeria’s investment climateof the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
According to him, the rising volume of maritime traffic across Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways demands sustained vigilance, enhanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
Mobereola stressed that deeper collaboration with the Air Force would guarantee continuous aerial surveillance, prompt intelligence sharing and proactive deterrence necessary to protect maritime assets and unlock the full potential of the nation’s blue economy.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to strengthening air–maritime operations in support of the Federal Government’s Deep Blue Project.
He highlighted the Air Force’s maritime-support capabilities, including long-range surveillance aircraft, maritime patrol platforms, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and rapid-response air assets capable of swift deployment across coastal corridors.
Aneke added that the integration of advanced sensors, data-link systems and inter-agency communication frameworks had significantly enhanced real-time situational awareness and coordinated responses.
He emphasised that air power remains a decisive force multiplier in maritime security operations due to its speed, flexibility and operational reach.
