By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian government has vowed to sustain the feat of achieving zero piracy incidents since 2022 for the third consecutive year, a feat that led the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) to remove the country from its piracy list of hot spots.
This feat, according to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, is attributed to the successful intervention of the Deep Blue Project, which has ensured zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s territorial waters since 2022.
Mr Oyetola speaking at the 2024 graduation ceremony of the Advance Combat Training Program for the Maritime Security Unit of the Deep Blue Project, in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State, said even the United Nations Security Council has acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in maritime security.
He said Nigeria 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.
“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 include a 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 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.
“The recent extension of the continental shelf from 200 to 300 kilometres has again widened our collective responsibility of ensuring that we harness our vast potentials that our waters that contribute to our marine resources against potential threat.
“Since the full deployment of the deep blue project platform and asset in 2021, within the Nigerian continental shelf, maritime security has been significantly enhanced, the project has contributed immensely to the reduction in piracy and maritime threats, enhancing safety and security in the maritime space.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Mr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, in his keynote address, reminded the graduates that they have the responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and ensuring that they remain safe, secure and free from all forms of threats.
“Your role is indispensable in maintaining the maritime integrity of our country and protecting our national assets. I am highly convinced that this set of trainees. As we reflect on the significance of these achievements it is important to acknowledge the broader context in which you operate.
“Maritime security is a collaborative effort requiring coordination and cooperation with various National and international agencies. You will be among the frontline defenders, working alongside the Nigerian Navy, maritime police and stakeholders to ensure a secured maritime domain.”
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Transport, Mr 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.
“The addition of these highly trained personnel to the Deep Blue Project is a testament to NIMASA’s unwavering commitment to creating a crime-free maritime environment for Nigeria and the global maritime community.”
Modupe Gbadeyanka