The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the
Nigeria Navy are set for a regime of improved information sharing as
arrangements to integrate the Command, Control, Computer Communication
and Information Centre, otherwise known as the C4i Centre of the Deep
Blue Project along with the Falcon Eye of the Nigerian Navy are ongoing.
This was made known when the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval
Command, Rear Admiral Oladele Bamidele Daji led a team of senior
officers from the command on a working visit to NIMASA.
The Director General of NIMASA Dr. Bashir Jamoh, while stating the
importance of cooperation between the Navy and NIMASA said that both
agencies have mandates that are interwoven adding that since NIMASA is
not an arm bearing organization it was important for it to support the
Navy with necessary platforms for it to be able to optimally safeguard
Nigerian Waters.
According to Jamoh, “Just like we did by ensuring that our Special
Mission Vessels are manned by men of the Nigerian Navy, we are also
looking at the possibility of effectively linking the C4i center at
kikiriki with the Falcon Eye of the Nigerian Navy. This is to ensure
safety of lives and property for safer shipping in the Nigerian maritime
domain so that the maritime industry remains virile for economic
prosperity”
Dr. Jamoh also disclosed that the Global Maritime Distress and Safety
System, GMDSS, facility at Takwa Bay will become functional very soon
and the facility will also enhance intelligence gathering and
information sharing with the Nigerian Navy, which has also approved the
establishment of a Naval formation at Takwa Bay.
Speaking on other challenges in the maritime corridor from Navy town to
the Harbor in Apapa Lagos, the NIMASA DG noted that activities of
unapproved ship scrapping yards are a source of concern and all
identified wrecks will be removed working with the hydrography
department of the Nigerian Navy.
The NIMASA DG also warned that those involved in these nefarious acts
would be made to face the full wrath of the law if they fail to desist
from indiscriminate scrapping of vessels and the likes.
“We are aware of the challenges wrecks, derelicts and activities of
illegal scrap yards pose to our waterways. We will share information
with the hydrography department of the Nigerian Navy, so appropriate
steps which will be in the best interest of the country will be
implemented”, he said.
On his part, the FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Daji applauded
the already existing relationship between the Agency and the Nigerian
Navy and stated the need for continuous information sharing between the
Navy and NIMASA in order to aid daily operations towards ensuring a
safer and secured maritime sector.
He also corroborated the stance of the DG on zero tolerance for piracy
on the nation’s waterways, stating that the Navy is prepared to tackle
the issues head-on, for the overall good of the maritime sector.
Rear Admiral Daji appealed for cooperation with the NIMASA hydrography
unit especially with regards to standard charting of the Nigerian waters
as well as mapping out the wrecks. He said this would go a long way in
ensuring unhindered navigation.
It may be recalled that at the inception of this administration, the DG,
Dr. Jamoh and his Management team introduced a three point agenda hinged
on Maritime Safety, Security and Shipping Development to achieve the
mandates of NIMASA towards sustaining a robust maritime sector.
Present during the visit were the Executive Directors of the Agency and
very senior officers of the Western Naval Command who accompanied the
FOC, West on the visit.