Ministers Badaru, Oyetola, Service Chiefs, Lawmakers Converge As NIMASA Holds 2024 Graduation Ceremony for Deep Blue Security Officials

…NIMASA Deep Blue Team Arrests Drugs Worth Millions on Lagos Waterways

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The city of Port Harcourt stood still for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Thursday as the Minister of Defence; Abubakar Badaru, his Marine and Blue Economy counterpart, Adegboyega Oyetola, Service Chiefs including; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as well as lawmakers, stormed the 2024 Graduation Ceremony of the advance Combat Training Programme for the Maritime Security Unit (MSU) of the Deep Blue Project.

The Lawmakers present are; Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, Chairman Senate Committee on Maritime and the Deputy Chairman Houae Committe on Marine, Hon Uduak Odudoh.

Meanwhile, the Commodore of the Deep Blue Project Task Group, Commodore O.A Akinbami in his opening remarks said the team on Wednesday in Lagos, in collaboration with Nigerian Navy NNS BEECROFT arrested 2 large wooden boats with unspecified quantity of canabis around Badagry area worth millions of Naira.

He said that as a result of the dexterity, gallantry and added value of the men deployed to the Deep Blue Task Group. Notably, Nigerian’s Maritime domain has not recorded any piracy incident since 2022 till date and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has further delisted Nigeria from piracy pruned states.

Additionally, Commodore Akinbami confirmed that there has also been significant increase in crude oil production. This has led to global importers paying less in the War Risk Insurance Premium Tag.

Speaking, the minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said the MSU officials of the Deep Blue Project have been equipped with necessary skills and knowledge necessary to confront Marítime Security challenges.

According to him, the officers are drawn from the Nigerian Navy, Army, Air Force, Police and the Department of State Service.

According to the minister, the trained officers have been prepared to address issues ranging from illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, piracy, smuggling to illegal fishing and environmental protection.

The former governor of Jigawa state further argued that the waters surrounding our nation are vital arteries of commerce and national security and serves as gateways to economic prosperity that hold immense strategic importance.

“Your training has equipped you with the skill set and knowledge necessary to confront the complex challenges of maritime security. Therefore, you have been adequately prepared to address issues ranging from illegal bunkering,pipeline vandalism, piracy, smuggling to illegal fishing and environmental protection. Your role is indispensable in maintaining the integrity of our maritime boundaries and protecting our national interest.”

“Going by the demonstration at the range and the maneuver of the aircraft and armoured vehicles, I am highly convinced that these sets of graduands have gone through the requisite combat training and are prepared for the task ahead. As we reflect on the significance of this achievement, it is important to acknowledge the broader context in which you will operate.

“Maritime security is a collaborative effort, requiring coordination and cooperation with various national and international agencies. You will be amongst the frontline defenders, working alongside the Nigerian Navy, Maritime Police and other stakeholders to ensure a secured maritime domain,” the minister stated.

Also speaking, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the deployment of the deep blue platforms and assets in 2021 contributed to the drop of piracy and other Marítime crimes in the nation coastal water.

The minister said the deep blue project also contributed immensely to the removal of Nigeria from the piracy hot list by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

“Since the full deployment of the Deep Blue platforms and assets in 2021 within the Nigerian Continental Shelf, maritime security has been significantly enhanced. The project has contributed immensely to the significant reduction in piracy and other maritime crimes, thus enhancing safety and security in Nigerian waters.

“Sequel to this, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has removed Nigeria from Piracy Hot List. The achievement of zero piracy incidence in Nigerian waters since 2022 is quite commendable and we are committed to sustaining this with the combined effort of all key players. It is to be noted that United Nations Security Council, at its 905th meeting, acknowledged the progress made by Nigeria in maritime security with reference to the contributions of the deep blue project.

“Let me assure you all that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who has demonstrated unwavering support for our maritime security initiatives, is resolute in his commitment to sustaining this momentum. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in our journey so far, and we are confident that his administration will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to ensure the enduring safety and security in our waters.”

Giving his opening remarks, the director general of the Nigerian Marítime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, also disclosed that Nigeria was delisted from list of piracy prone countries in 2023.

He also stated that the agency will continue to seek collaboration in its quest to achieve sustainable security in the nation Maritime domain.

It is noteworthy that Nigeria was delisted from the list of piracy-prone nations last year after a sustained period of zero piracy attacks in Nigerian waters.

“Let me commend the entire Deep Blue team for the progress made since its inception in 2019. It is noteworthy that Nigeria was delisted from the list of piracy-prone nations last year after a sustained period of zero piracy attacks in Nigerian waters.”

“With NIMASA providing the administrative and logistical support, and your valiant efforts on the frontline, I am confident that we will realize our collective aspiration of a secure and prosperous maritime domain, thus paving the way for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy,” the DG stated.

He further noted that the training of the officers prepare them to respond effectively to any challenges that may arise, thereby safeguard the national interests as well drive the nation’s economic prosperity.

“The graduates of this continuous capacity development training will serve as guardians of our maritime assets, safeguarding our waters against piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime smuggling, and ensuring the safety and security of our marine resources. Their training in tactical shooting drills, operational demonstrations, and other essential skills prepares them to respond effectively to any challenges that may arise, thereby safeguarding our national interests and driving economic prosperity.

“The Commissioning of the Armoured Vehicle Workshop demonstrates our commitment to modernizing and optimizing our military assets, ensuring our vehicles are in optimal condition and ready for deployment at any time. For the graduates, this means access to reliable equipment, enhancing their operational capabilities.”

“Moreover, this development represents a sustainable approach to reducing our reliance on foreign maintenance services and cultivating self-sufficiency. The workshop will play a vital role in ensuring our forces have the necessary mechanical support to maintain operational effectiveness, thereby bolstering our national security and independence.”

“A few days ago, we witnessed the demonstration by the Maritime Security Unit in Lagos. This is a clear confirmation of the unit’s capability and readiness to tackle various maritime security challenges.
Furthermore, the Deep Blue Project emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership, involving various stakeholders such as the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with NIMASA serving as the lead facilitator, and the private sector. We will continue to seek collaboration in our quest to achieve sustainable security in the Nigerian Maritime domain,” Dr Mobereola stated.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to the MSu officers, as well as as a coordinated demonstration of the Deep Blue maneuvering and rescue skills, as well as the unveiling of new deep blue assets by the two ministers.