Following Nigeria’s significant milestone in its maritime security efforts for having zero piracy incidents since 2022 and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) removing the country from its piracy list, the Federal government has expressed commitment to sustain the feat.
This feat, according to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is attributed to the successful intervention of the Deep Blue Project, which has ensured zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters in 2022.
Speaking at the 2024 graduation ceremony of the Advance Combat Training Program for the Maritime Security Unit of the Deep Blue Project, at the BnNA Barracks in Elele Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State on Thursday, Oyetola noted that the achievement has been commended by the United Nations Security Council, which acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in maritime security.
The Deep Blue Project was designed for specific goals, each is vital to the safety and security in the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as for the country’s economy.
The objectives of the Deep Blue Project includes: a true and real time presentation of an integrated maritime situation picture of the Nigerian waters, creation of quality targets for operation based on Intelligence, prevention of illegal activity in the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), enforcement of maritime regulations, enhancing the safety of lives and property at the maritime environment, prevention of illegal activities in the sea and the inland waterways, enhancing the enforcement capabilities of NIMASA to generate revenue.
He said the Nigerian government has expressed its commitment to sustaining this momentum, with President Bola Tinubu demonstrating unwavering support and leadership in the quest for improved maritime security, while urging maritime key players to continue their collaborative efforts to maintain the achievement.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, during his keynote address noted that the event is not just a graduation ceremony but also a testament of hardwork, dedication and commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain.
He reminded the graduates that they have the responsibilities of safeguarding the waters and ensuring that they remain safe, secure and free from all forms of threats.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Maritime Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, remarked that the graduation ceremony marks the transformative milestone in the collective endeavours of Nigerians to secure the nation’s maritime domain.
He also said that the addition of these highly trained personnel to the Deep Blue Project is a testament of NIMASA’s unwavering commitment to creating a crime-free maritime environment for Nigeria and global maritime community.
Acording to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E.I Ogalla, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Command, Rear Admiral S.A Akinwande, the components of the project include: the establishment of the special force – Maritime Security Unit (MSU) with 337 highly trained and well Equipped operatives, two Special Mission Aircrafts (SMAs) with ASIO (Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence & Observation) System, three Special Mission Helicopters (SMHs) for search, rescue and intervention by the Maritime Security Unit, sixteen Armored Vehicles for Maritime Security Unit, seventeen Interceptor for Maritime Security Unit, two Special Mission Vessels (SMVs) with Intelligence mission equipment onboard, four Unmanned Ariel Systems (UAS) each consists of 3 UAVs, communication equipment (VHF, HF), C4I Command and Control Center including maritine intelligence system, dynamic maritime security awareness software & Cyber Intelligence, training of all operational forces.
Also, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said Nigeria is no longer in the piracy hot list of the international community.
Other dignitaries present at the occasion were: the Chief of Army Staff, represented by the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the Chief of Naval Staff represented by the Flag Officer Command, Eastern Naval Commanding, Rear Admiral S.A Akinwande, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun represented by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, Olatunji Disu and others.
Nigeria’s Expanded Continental Shelf: A New Frontier in Marine Resource Management
Nigeria’s recent extension of its continental shelf from 200 to 300 kilometers has brought new opportunities and challenges in harnessing its marine resources.
Since the deployment of the Deep Blue Project in 2021, maritime security has significantly improved, with a notable reduction in piracy and maritime threats.
This enhancement has created a safer and more secure environment for marine activities, unlocking the potential for sustainable economic growth and resource management.
As the country assumes its expanded responsibility, stakeholders are urged to prioritize environmental stewardship and sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of Nigeria’s marine ecosystem.
MARITIME SECURITY GETS BOOST AS DEEP BLUE PROJECT MAKES IMPACT
A significant milestone has been achieved in Nigeria’s maritime security efforts, with the Deep Blue Project contributing substantially to the reduction of piracy and maritime threats since its full deployment in 2021.
According to reports, the project’s platform and assets have enhanced safety and security within the Nigerian continental shelf, fostering a more secure environment for maritime activities. The notable decline in piracy and maritime threats is a testament to the project’s effectiveness, boosting confidence in Nigeria’s ability to safeguard its marine resources and interests.
This development marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest to ensure the security of its maritime domain, facilitating the growth of the nation’s blue economy.
Nigeria Celebrates Maritime Security Milestone as International Maritime Bureau Removes Country from Piracy List
Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in its maritime security efforts, with the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) removing the country from its piracy list. This feat is attributed to the successful intervention of the Deep Blue Project, which has ensured zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters in 2022.
The achievement has been commended by the United Nations Security Council, which acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in maritime security. The Council particularly recognized the contributions of the Deep Blue Project to this success.
Maritime: Nigeria Will Sustain Zero Piracy After Record Feat is first published on The Whistler Newspaper