The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have strengthened operational collaboration to boost maritime security and safeguard Nigeria’s growing blue economy.
The renewed partnership aims to enhance aerial surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid-response capabilities across Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.
Strengthening Maritime Security Through Air–Sea Collaboration
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, the development followed a courtesy visit by NIMASA Director-General, Dayo Mobereola, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Aneke, at NAF Headquarters.
Mobereola emphasized that maritime security remains crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability, international trade, and investor confidence. He highlighted that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents within its territorial waters over the past four years, attributing the achievement to coordinated efforts among the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
According to him, the increasing volume of maritime traffic along Nigeria’s coastline demands sustained vigilance, enhanced surveillance systems, and rapid-response operations.
“Deeper collaboration with the NAF will ensure continuous aerial oversight, timely intelligence sharing, and proactive deterrence necessary to protect maritime assets and unlock the full potential of the nation’s blue economy,” Mobereola stated.
NAF Reaffirms Commitment to Deep Blue Project
Responding, Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening joint air–maritime operations in support of the Federal Government’s Deep Blue Project.
The Deep Blue Project, driven by NIMASA, is designed to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal fishing, oil theft, and other maritime crimes within Nigeria’s waters.
Aneke outlined the NAF’s maritime-support capabilities, including:
- Long-range surveillance aircraft
- Maritime patrol platforms
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
- Rapid-response air assets for coastal deployment
He noted that the integration of advanced sensors, data-link systems, and inter-agency communication frameworks has significantly improved real-time situational awareness and coordinated responses to maritime threats.
Air Power as a Force Multiplier in Maritime Security
The Chief of the Air Staff stressed that air power remains a decisive force multiplier in maritime security operations due to its speed, flexibility, and operational reach.
With enhanced cooperation between NAF and NIMASA, Nigeria is poised to further secure its maritime domain, protect shipping lanes, attract foreign investment, and maximize the economic opportunities embedded in the blue economy sector.
Key Highlights:
- NAF and NIMASA strengthen maritime security partnership
- Zero piracy incidents recorded in Nigeria’s waters for four years
- Increased aerial surveillance and intelligence sharing
- Support for Federal Government’s Deep Blue Project
- Boost for Nigeria’s blue economy and maritime trade
The collaboration underscores Nigeria’s commitment to securing its maritime environment while fostering sustainable economic growth through a safe and protected blue economy.
