The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency is considering an expansion of the Deep Blue project. The project has also gained global recognition in ensuring sustainability.

NIMASA’s director-general, Dayo Mobereola, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

The NIMASA boss, on his strategic visit to the chief of naval staff, Idi Abass, at the navy headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday commended the navy for their harmonious collaboration with the agency.

Mr Mobereola congratulated the naval chief who had previously served as maritime guard commander under the agency, and had called for continued partnership with the navy under his watch.

“It is important that we continue our partnership and strengthen our relationship. Our purpose here is to congratulate you, and to discuss the benefits of the Deep Blue project: how to sustain it, expand it, and increase its impact on the Gulf of Guinea.

“We are confident that we have the backing of the president, the minister of marine and blue economy, and the Nigerian Navy, hence, we are working towards presenting our proposal on the necessary improvements to be undertaken,” he said.

The NIMASA boss acknowledged the importance of the Deep Blue project, noting that its impact resonated globally, with the International Maritime Organisation commending it.

“The Deep Blue Project is vital; countries around Africa and some other parts of the world are coming to copy our model. The IMO is asking how a civilian organisation was able to achieve this feat.

“It is, therefore, important that we continue to collaborate and do even better for greater sustainability,” he said.

Mr Abass, while welcoming the NIMASA boss and his delegation, commended the agency for the good work it was doing in the maritime sector and its continued support to the navy.

“Part of my command’s objective is to work in synergy with other agencies to achieve our goal as a country. We complement each other. We have no option but to collaborate and synergise. The memorandum of understanding between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy which has been in place since 2007 should be revisited,” Mr Abass explained.

(NAN)