NIMASA strengthening maritime security with institutional framework
By David Adebayo
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Navy are collaborating to address emerging maritime security challenges through improved coordination, information sharing and operational cooperation.
Barely a week that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide a framework in the promotion and maintenance of maritime security and the effective implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code among others, the Nigerian Navy has taken delivery of
Security Support Vessel, SSV-KALI 3, from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) to strengthen maritime security and protect critical oil and gas assets.
The vessel was delivered to enhance surveillance, logistics support, and rapid-response operations in Nigeria’s coastal and offshore waters.
KALI 3 was built locally with the participation of Nigerian engineers, welders, naval architects and technicians, including youths from Niger Delta communities.
According to the company, the vessel was part of its Security Support Vessel (SSV) series comprising 10 vessels under International Maritime Organisation (IMO) certification and designed for operations within Sea Area 3 under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
The vessel is ISO-certified and fitted with class-compliant safety and lifesaving equipment.
With an operational autonomy of approximately 10 to 12 days, the company explained that KALI 3 was designed to support extended missions at sea. Its approximately 2.5-metre draft enables it to operate in shallow waters and creeks, while its rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) support boarding and rapid-response operations.
Specifically, the vessel is expected to support the protection of crude oil tankers, LNG carriers and offshore supply vessels operating within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
At the handover ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, stressed the importance of protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and critical energy assets, particularly the oil and gas sector, charging personnel assigned to operate the vessel to maintain professionalism, discipline, integrity and operational readiness.
For instance, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, described the project as a major milestone for SEEPCO, Delta State and Nigeria, noting that the construction of the vessel in Delta State demonstrated the country’s indigenous industrial capacity, local content development and the potential of public-private partnerships.
He explained: “This is an important occasion for SEEPCO, Delta State and Nigeria. We are celebrating not only a new security vessel, but also indigenous capacity, local content and a successful partnership between the private sector and the Nigerian Navy.”
In addition, he noted that a secure operating environment was necessary to attract investment, sustain production and promote economic growth.
Also, a representative of SEEPCO, Raj Bhargava, explained that the vessels were being delivered in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to enhance maritime safety and protect personnel operating on Nigeria’s waterways.
Similarly, a senior official at SEEPCO noted they embarked on the vessel-building project as part of its commitment to supporting the Navy and strengthening maritime security.
He added that the initiative was intended to strengthen the Nigerian Navy’s operational capacity and show how public-private partnerships can help build a more self-reliant maritime sector.
Last week, NIMASA’s Deputy Director/Head Public Relations, Osagie Edward explained on the renewed strategic partnership was to strengthen maritime security, enhance safety and deepen coordinated enforcement across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He noted that the MoU was signed at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters, Abuja, by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
According to him, the renewed agreement marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between both institutions and represents the first formal renewal of their partnership since the original MoU was signed in 2007.
At the signing ceremony, the NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola noted that the MoU would provide a stronger institutional framework for both organisations to discharge their respective statutory mandates while consolidating the gains already recorded in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, saying that it would enhance achieving the goals of President Bola Tinubu for the Blue Economy.
According to him, the agreement was designed to address emerging maritime security challenges through improved coordination, information sharing and operational cooperation.
Moreover, Mobereola expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their continued support and commitment to the renewal of the partnership.
Also, Abbas described the signing as a milestone in the enduring relationship between NN and NIMASA, noting that the renewed MoU contained important additions aimed at strengthening the response to the evolving nature of maritime security challenges.
He explained: “One of the key provisions is the integration of the Deep Blue Project into the collaborative framework, providing a stronger basis for cooperation between the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the project.”
Also, he highlighted the introduction of a joint reporting protocol for communication and information sharing during operations, which he said would facilitate timely decision-making and a more coordinated response to maritime incidents.
Furthermore, Abbas welcomed provisions for greater institutional engagement, including an annual conference to enhance collaboration, review progress and address emerging challenges.
He added: “Whether we like it or not, the water is where we get whatever we are getting, our revenue, everything and even the trade we engage in large percentages, is done through the water. So this institution has to be very strong.”
In conclusion, the Federal Government should assist the two agencies with necessary security equipment to
strengthen their operational capacities
