Minister vows to sustain zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waterways

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the progress made through the Deep Blue Project, aiming to ensure the continued security of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Initiated by the Federal Government and led by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Deep Blue Project addresses the complex security challenges in the nation’s waterways.

Oyetola noted that since its full deployment in 2021 across the Nigerian Continental Shelf, maritime security has improved significantly.

Speaking ahead of World Maritime Day 2024, themed: “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” Oyetola said the theme is timely, reflecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to position Nigeria as Africa’s maritime hub.

He added that the event aligned with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) efforts to enhance maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

The minister proudly highlighted Nigeria’s achievement of zero piracy incidents over the past 24 months, attributing this success to the Deep Blue Project.

He noted that the United Nations Security Council, during its 905th meeting, acknowledged the significant strides Nigeria has made in maritime security due to the project.

Oyetola also emphasised that President Tinubu’s first major move in advancing Nigeria’s maritime future was the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, followed by policies and programmes that aimed to safeguard the nation’s waterways.

Additionally, efforts are underway to ensure Nigeria’s ports remain competitive on the global stage.

The minister pointed to the ongoing rehabilitation and modernisation efforts, alongside government investments in infrastructure and assets to enhance port efficiency.

He cited the recent acquisition of two 80-tonne bollard pull tugboats by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), deployed to support vessel berthing at the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport.

These vessels, he noted, are already contributing to improved port security, patrols, surveillance, and efficient pilotage and towage services in response to the growing cargo needs of the Lekki maritime corridor.

These initiatives, Oyetola said, are part of the broader strategy to secure Nigeria’s ports, boost their efficiency, and solidify the country’s position as a leading maritime nation in the region.

Oyetola also assured that the recently unveiled regulatory transportation code at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) headquarters in Lokoja will help standardise water transportation, reduce accidents, and create a conducive environment for investors.

The World Maritime Day celebration will take place in Lagos on September 26, with Prof. Larry Awosika, Chairman of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), serving as the Special Guest of Honour.