The Nigerian Navy has called for enhanced partnership with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in hydrographic operations to sustain improved safety of navigation in Nigerian waters.

According to a statement yesterday by the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward, the call was made by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command (FOC-WNC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, during a familiarisation visit to the Agency’s Headquarters in Lagos, where he commended the gains recorded from the agency’s longstanding partnership with the Nigerian Navy.

Mustapha noted that the collaboration between both institutions has contributed significantly to the current security stability within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He emphasised that enhanced information sharing through the integration of NIMASA’s C4i Centre with the Navy’s Falcon Eye system would further improve maritime domain awareness and security operations.

“The longstanding and unwavering partnership NIMASA has maintained with the Nigerian Navy has culminated in the current tranquility being witnessed within the Nigerian maritime domain, and it is a clear testament to the strength of this partnership,” he said.

The FOC West commended NIMASA for providing and maintaining platforms under the Deep Blue Project, which are operated by the Nigerian Navy, noting that the platforms have greatly enhanced naval operations in securing the nation’s waters.

According to Mustapha, the two newly acquired hydrographic vessels, NNS Lana and NNS Ochuzor, possess advanced capabilities to identify the exact location and size of wrecks, which would significantly enhance NIMASA’s wreck removal operations and improve safety standards within the maritime sector.

“Utilising advanced vessels such as NNS Lana and NNS Ochuzor has undoubtedly contributed to improved safety standards within the maritime sector. It is therefore important that we jointly sustain these standards through deeper collaboration with NIMASA,” he added.

Responding to the call for enhanced collaboration, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the improved security in Nigeria’s territorial waters as the backbone of President Bola Tinubu administration’s economic diversification policy.

“The maritime sector is at the forefront of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the Federal Government’s economic diversification policy and it is our shared obligation with the Navy to deliver a safe and secure maritime space for maritime activities to thrive. Accordingly, achieving optimum security levels in our maritime area is the backbone of these aims and is what gives shipping companies the confidence to invest in the sector,” Mobereola stated.

The NIMASA chief executive also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, noting that his commitment to the development of the Blue Economy sector has continued to yield positive results.

With this renewed commitment to collaboration, both institutions reaffirm their dedication to maintaining maritime safety, enhancing navigational security, and supporting the federal government’s economic diversification objectives through strengthened institutional partnership and deployment of advanced maritime technology.