NIMASA, Navy Renew Pact To Tackle Emerging Maritime Security Threats

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have renewed their strategic partnership to strengthen maritime security and tackle emerging threats across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The renewed partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is also expected to enhance maritime safety, information sharing, coordinated enforcement and joint responses to maritime incidents.

The MoU was signed at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters, Abuja, by the director-general of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and the chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

NIMASA said the agreement marked major progress longstanding relationship between the two institutions and represented the first formal renewal of their partnership since the original MoU was signed in 2007.

According to the agency, under the renewed agreement, NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy will strengthen collaboration in the promotion and maintenance of maritime security, while supporting the effective implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and other relevant maritime laws and regulations within NIMASA’s mandate.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mobereola commended the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration as a key driver of maritime security and the development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

He said the renewed MoU would provide a stronger institutional framework for both organisations to discharge their statutory responsibilities and consolidate the gains already recorded in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

According to him, the partnership would also support the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s objectives for the Blue Economy by ensuring a safer and more secure maritime environment.

Mobereola said the agreement was designed to address emerging maritime security challenges through improved coordination, information sharing and operational cooperation between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy.

“As we renew this partnership today, I urge our respective teams to ensure that the spirit of this agreement translates into practical and measurable outcomes,” he said.

The NIMASA DG also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their continued support and commitment to strengthening the partnership.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the signing as a milestone in the enduring relationship between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA.

He said the renewed MoU contained important additions designed to strengthen the agencies’ response to the changing nature of maritime security threats.

One of the key provisions, according to Abbas, is the integration of the Deep Blue Project into the collaborative framework, thereby providing a stronger basis for cooperation between the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the project.

He also highlighted the introduction of a joint reporting protocol for communication and information sharing during operations.

According to him, the protocol would facilitate timely decision-making and enable a more coordinated response to maritime incidents.

The Naval Chief further welcomed provisions for greater institutional engagement, including an annual conference to review the partnership, assess progress and address emerging maritime security challenges.

“Whether we like it or not, the water is where we get whatever we are getting—our revenue, everything and even the trade we engage in, in large percentages, is done through the water. So this institution has to be very strong,” he said.

The renewed MoU is expected to deepen operational cooperation between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, particularly in maritime security, intelligence and information sharing, coordinated responses to maritime incidents and enforcement of applicable maritime laws.

The partnership is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to maintain a safe and secure maritime environment, protect maritime trade and support sustainable growth of the Blue Economy.