By Ali Elias
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, visited NIMASA to strengthen cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Agency. He praised NIMASA’s efforts to implement national and international regulations, enhancing safety and security in the maritime domain. Ogalla reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting NIMASA’s success.
“I want to appreciate NIMASA for the collaboration with the Nigerian Navy which is to achieve a common goal of better securing the Nigerian maritime domain, thus promoting an enabling environment for business to thrive with a multiplier effect of improved contributions to the Gross Domestic Product from the maritime industry. Our role as prescribed by the Armed Forces Act is for the Navy to coordinate the enforcement of all marital laws associated with Nigeria. We will support you at NIMASA to succeed,”
He also praised NIMASA for its effective implementation of the Cabotage Act and the C4i center, a key component of the Deep Blue Project, highlighting the Agency’s efforts to enhance maritime security and promote Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I acknowledge the efforts of NIMASA in the implementation of the Cabotage Law for the benefit of indigenous players in the industry. We will also improve our support so the Cabotage regime can succeed. The NIMASA C4i center, which is a maritime domain awareness facility, is useful to the Nigerian Armed Forces including the Nigerian Police. I will visit the facility today and our focus is better cooperation and information sharing,”
On his part, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA DG, acknowledged the Nigerian Navy’s long-standing support for NIMASA’s mandates. He assured the Navy of continued Agency support, citing benefits for the country. Mobereola also pledged to explore new partnership areas and review the existing Navy-NIMASA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“Your visit today personally to NIMASA is a confirmation of your commitment to the NIMASA/Nigerian Navy collaboration. I must acknowledge the role of the Nigerian Navy in the NIMASA journey so far. Nigeria’s attainment of zero piracy report in recent times is a result of the support of the Navy. Security is key to unlocking the nation’s maritime potentials, as a well-secured maritime domain will be a catalyst to attract foreign investment into Nigeria. On the MoU, we are with you in reviewing it and making it more effective taking into consideration the reality on ground. We want to sustain our zero piracy status”.
The DG, equally commended the recent extension of Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone by 20 nautical miles, noting that it brings increased responsibilities for both the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA to ensure effective management and security of the expanded maritime territory.