The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, has hailed the recent addition of 20 nautical miles to Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Mobereola said that the development called for more responsibility for both the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA.
According to a statement on Tuesday, Mobereola disclosed this when the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, came on a courtesy visit to NIMASA.
Recall that on May 14, 2024, the Federal Government announced that Nigeria had gained an extended maritime boundary by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, a development that excited many operators in the maritime industry.
He acknowledged the role the navy had played over the years in supporting NIMASA to implement its mandates.
The NIMASA DG assured the navy of the continuous support of the agency, noting that it would be to the overall benefit of the country.
He also assured the CNS that NIMASA would look at more areas of partnership with the Navy, while also seeing the possibility of reviewing the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the Navy and NIMASA.
“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 navy in the NIMASA journey so far.
“Nigeria’s attainment of zero piracy report in recent times was a result of the support of the navy. Security is key to unlocking the nation’s maritime potential, as a well-secured maritime domain would 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 the ground. We want to sustain our zero piracy status,” the NIMASA DG emphasised.
Earlier, the Chief of the Naval Staff said the visit was in continuation of efforts to deepen the cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the NIMASA, to achieve sustainable security in the Nigerian maritime domain.
Ogalla acknowledged the efforts of the agency in implementing both national and international regulatory instruments to improve safety and security in the maritime domain.
He added that the navy under his leadership was committed to supporting NIMASA to succeed.
“I want to appreciate NIMASA for the collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, which is to achieve a common goal of better securing the Nigerian,” he stated.