4th June 2024
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has stated that the agency will soon formalise a new working agreement with the Nigerian Navy following a review of their existing collaboration.
Dr Mobereola, speaking during a working visit by the Chief of Naval Staff, acknowledged the significant role the Nigerian Navy has played in supporting NIMASA to implement its mandates. He assured the Navy of NIMASA’s continued support, noting that this will be beneficial for the country. He also expressed interest in exploring further areas of partnership with the Navy and reviewing the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations.
“Your visit today personally to NIMASA is a confirmation of your commitment to the NIMASA/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 potential, 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,” the NIMASA DG said.
Dr Mobereola also welcomed the recent expansion of Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone by 20 nautical miles, stating that it necessitates increased responsibility for both the Navy and NIMASA.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on Monday, paid a working visit to NIMASA as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the agency to achieve sustainable security in the Nigerian maritime domain.
During the visit, Vice Admiral Ogalla commended the agency’s efforts in implementing both national and international regulatory instruments to improve safety and security in the maritime domain. He also affirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment under his leadership to supporting NIMASA’s success.
“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,” he said.
The Chief of the Naval Staff also praised the agency’s implementation of the Cabotage Act and the C4i centre 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 centre, 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 said.
SOURCE:THE SUN