NIMASA, Navy renew maritime security pact after 19 years

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Nigerian Navy have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding, updating a partnership that had remained unchanged since 2007.

The agreement was sealed at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja by NIMASA Director‑General Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas. It replaces the original 2007 framework and introduces new mechanisms for coordinated enforcement, intelligence sharing, and operational response across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The renewed pact strengthens collaboration on the SPOMO Act, the ISPS Code, and other regulations within NIMASA’s mandate. It also formally integrates the Deep Blue Project into the partnership, giving the Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the project’s assets a clearer basis for joint operations.

Dr. Mobereola said the renewal reflects the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy’s commitment to inter‑agency cooperation and urged both institutions to move from paperwork to measurable action.

Vice Admiral Abbas welcomed the update, describing it as a milestone in the long relationship between the two bodies. He pointed to a new joint reporting protocol that he said would improve communication during operations and enable quicker decision‑making.

The MoU also provides for an annual conference to review progress, address challenges, and adjust strategy where needed.

Abbas underscored the importance of maritime security, noting that Nigeria’s trade and revenue depend heavily on the sea. “Whether we like it or not, the water is where we get whatever we are getting,” he said. “So this institution has to be very strong.”

The renewed agreement is expected to improve operational coordination, enhance information sharing, and strengthen enforcement of maritime laws across Nigeria’s waterways.