Nigeria, Gambia Strengthen Maritime Ties to Boost Regional Security
ZAINAB JUNAID
Nigeria has expressed its desire to deepen maritime collaboration with The Gambia to enhance regional security and economic growth.
In a statement signed by the Head, Public Relations of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Osagie Edward, the commitment was made by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the Fourth Blue Economy Conference held in Banjul, The Gambia, from February 19 to 21, 2025.
Ably represented by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the minister stressed how Nigeria is committed to expanding its maritime security infrastructure beyond its territorial waters.
L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata and others during the 4th International Blue Economy Conference in Gambia.
He disclosed that the country is also working to extend the operational coverage of its Deep Blue assets to further enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea region.
“Nigeria remains committed to being a stabilizing force, fostering cooperation, and promoting sustainable development through the blue economy. We are dedicated toto ensuring safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea region. Given the recent disruption in global trade caused by the crisis in the Suez Canal, there has been a surge in shipping traffic around Africa. To address this, Nigeria is working towards extending the operational coverage of its Deep Blue assets to further enhance maritime security,” he added.
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L-R: Secretary General, Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata during the 4th International Blue Economy Conference in Gambia.
The minister further revealed that Nigeria is seeking re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council (Category ‘C’) for the 2026-2027 biennium.
He called on delegates to support Nigeria’s bid, saying the country’s representation in the IMO Council will strengthen Africa’s voice in global maritime decision-making, particularly in areas related to the blue economy, maritime safety and security, environmental sustainability, given the volume of trade conducted in the region.
Dr. Mobereola highlighted how Nigeria’s efforts in maritime security have received global recognition, with both the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and the IMO commending the country for its effective deployment of the Deep Blue Project.
L-R: Secretary General, Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Gambian Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ebrima Sillah and Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata during the 4th International Blue Economy Conference in Gambia.
“Nigeria remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships, strengthening maritime security, and advancing the shared economic interests of West and Central African nations through sustainable blue economy initiatives,” he emphasised.