The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) , Dayo Mobereola has disclosed plans to expand the agency’s maritime security architecture, the Deep Blue Project, following the successes recorded in securing Nigeria’s waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea.
He made this known on 5 February, 2026 during a strategic visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abass, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
Mobereola, who led a delegation from the Agency, congratulated Vice Admiral Abass on his appointment and called for strengthened collaboration between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy to sustain and deepen the gains already achieved in maritime security.
According to him, the visit was aimed at reviewing the impact of the Deep Blue Project, exploring ways to sustain and expand it, and increasing its effectiveness across the Gulf of Guinea.
“We have the backing of the President, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Navy, and we are working towards presenting proposals on necessary improvements to further strengthen the project,” Mobereola said.
He noted that the Deep Blue Project has gained international recognition, adding that several African countries and other parts of the world are studying Nigeria’s model. He revealed that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has expressed interest in how a civilian agency successfully implemented the initiative.
The NIMASA boss also congratulated the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, on his appointment as the Nigerian Navy’s representative on the NIMASA Governing Board.
In his response, Vice Admiral Abass commended NIMASA for its contributions to maritime safety and security and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to working closely with the Agency.
“My command objective is to work in synergy with other agencies to achieve our national goals. We complement each other, and collaboration is not optional,” the Naval Chief said.
He further called for a review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, which has been in place since 2007, to strengthen cooperation. According to him, the Navy has the capacity to support NIMASA in vessel repairs, hydrographic surveys and charting.
Vice Admiral Abass also sought NIMASA’s assistance in wreck removal, especially as the Navy prepares for its 70th Anniversary celebrations, during which foreign naval vessels are expected to visit Nigeria.
Additionally, the CNS commended NIMASA on the recent launch of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) Application Portal, noting that the Agency has made significant progress toward the disbursement of the fund.
The visit, according to NIMASA, underscores Dr. Mobereola’s commitment to collaboration as a core strategy for delivering the Agency’s mandate in maritime safety and security, environmental protection and sustainability, as well as capacity building.
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