NIMASA Graduates 177 Personnel Under Deep Blue Project, Reaffirms Maritime Security Partnership with Navy

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has graduated 177 personnel trained under its Deep Blue Project, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening maritime security through strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, described the Deep Blue Project as a model for effective inter-agency cooperation in tackling maritime crimes and sustaining security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Abdullahi Mustapha, the Naval Chief stressed the need for sustained collaboration, professionalism, vigilance, and continuous capacity development among maritime stakeholders.

According to him, “The Deep Blue Project remains a classic example of effective inter-agency collaboration. Modern national security demands sustained cooperation, professionalism, vigilance, and continuous capacity development among all maritime stakeholders.”

He commended the graduands for their professionalism and operational efficiency during the capability demonstration, noting that the training reflects a renewed commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“The performance displayed by the participants during the capability demonstration was surgically executed, reflecting the quality of training and operational preparedness required to secure our maritime domain”, he stated.

Idi Abbas also praised the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dayo Mobereola, for sustained investment in maritime security capacity development, while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s support for initiatives aimed at improving maritime safety and national stability.

In his remarks, Dayo Mobereola said the Agency remains committed to enhancing maritime security through continuous capacity building, strategic partnerships, and sustained investment in the Deep Blue Project.

He disclosed that the 177 graduands comprised 33 Special Mission Vessel Officers, 14 Special Mission Vessel Engineers, 107 Fast Intervention Boat Operators, Technicians and Boarding Team personnel, as well as 23 Helicopter Team members trained in helicopter operations, tactical boat manoeuvres, medical evacuation, unmanned aerial systems, communications, and combat medic procedures.

L-R: Director General Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA Dr. Dayo Mobereola, representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdulahi Mustapha; a graduand and Chief Executive Officer, HLSi, Tal Spektor, during the Deep Blue maritime training graduate ceremony in Lagos.

Mobereola noted that Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its waters for four consecutive years, a development he said has restored international confidence in the country’s maritime domain.

“For four consecutive years, Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its waters. This achievement has not only restored global confidence in our maritime domain, but was also a significant contributor to Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization,” he said.

The NIMASA DG expressed appreciation to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his support toward the growth of the maritime industry and advancement of the blue economy agenda.

He also commended the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Homeland Security International, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other stakeholders for sustaining the successes recorded under the Deep Blue Project.

Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to deepening collaboration with relevant security agencies and maritime stakeholders to sustain the gains recorded under the initiative and ensure safer waterways for Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy aspirations.

The highlight of the event was an operational capability demonstration involving the use of Special Mission Vessels, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and fast interceptor boats in a simulated rescue mission of a merchant vessel under attack.