Nigeria Boosts Maritime Security with New Drones, Surveillance Technology

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has unveiled new surveillance technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), armoured vehicles and other tactical equipment to strengthen security in Nigeria’s territorial waters under the Deep Blue Project.

The equipment was unveiled by Mr Tal Spektor, Chief Executive Officer of HLS International, NIMASA’s technical partner on the Deep Blue Project, on the second day of the ongoing Africa International Defence Exhibition.

Speaking at the event, NIMASA Director-General, Mr Dayo Mobereola, said the strength of a maritime nation depended not only on its policies but also on its ability to translate them into concrete actions and measurable results.

Mr Mobereola described the maritime sector as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s economic development, serving as a gateway to global trade, a catalyst for investment and employment, and a driver of businesses, industries and livelihoods.

He said Nigeria accounted for more than 46 per cent of total port calls in the Gulf of Guinea region in 2025, highlighting the strategic importance of its maritime domain and the need to strengthen security systems, institutions and human capacity.

The NIMASA chief, however, said maritime excellence should not be measured by traffic volumes and statistics alone.

According to him, the sector’s performance should also be assessed by the safety and security of the country’s waters, the efficiency of ports and shipping operations, the protection of the marine environment, and the welfare and professional development of seafarers.

He added that Nigerians should be able to participate meaningfully in the ownership, operation and management of maritime assets.

Mr Spektor said the Deep Blue Project, operated under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, provides a comprehensive maritime security framework through intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated enforcement operations.

The new equipment is expected to enhance the project’s operational capacity and strengthen efforts to combat illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.