By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy (NN) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain through the signing of a renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The ceremony took place at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, witnessed by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, alongside senior officials from both organizations.
This renewed MoU builds on a partnership that began in 2007 and has been consistently strengthened through successive renewals. The agreement aims to enhance coordination, operational alignment, and cooperation between the two agencies to deliver measurable improvements in maritime safety and security across Nigeria’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG/CEO of NIMASA, emphasized the critical importance of the maritime sector to Nigeria’s economic wellbeing, describing the MoU renewal as a reaffirmation of both organizations’ shared dedication to securing the nation’s maritime space and promoting the Blue Economy.
He acknowledged the Nigerian Navy’s vital role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and praised its operational support in fulfilling NIMASA’s statutory duties.
Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, CNS, hailed the renewed MoU as a significant milestone in a longstanding relationship grounded in decades of cooperation and mutual national interests.
He expressed confidence in NIMASA’s leadership and progress, pledging the Navy’s continued operational support and collaboration over the next five years. He underscored the necessity of sustained inter-agency cooperation to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain and advance national interests.
The MoU outlined expanded cooperation in key areas including maritime safety and security, marine pollution control, search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, intelligence and information sharing, hydrography, and professional training and capacity development. These initiatives are designed to improve maritime domain awareness, enhance coordinated responses to maritime incidents, and ensure the safety of ships, crews, cargo, passengers, and navigation within Nigerian waters.
Beyond operational collaboration, the agreement establishes a robust institutional framework for timely intelligence exchange, optimal use of facilities and capabilities, and cooperation on other mutual interests. It also introduces accountability mechanisms and mandates regular institutional reviews. Both agencies will jointly host an annual Maritime Safety and Security Conference to evaluate progress, address emerging challenges, and refine priorities to maintain effective partnership outcomes.
For the Nigerian Navy, securing Nigeria’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone is essential to protecting lives and property, safeguarding legitimate maritime activities, preserving national security, and fostering sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
The Navy said it remains committed to working closely with NIMASA, sister security services, and other agencies to defend Nigeria’s maritime interests and sovereignty, advancing a safer, more secure, and prosperous maritime environment for Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea region.
