FG Reaffirms Commitment To Maritime Security, Graduates 492 Deep Blue Personnel

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime security and sustaining safety across Nigeria’s territorial waters through the Deep Blue Project.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this on Thursday during the 2026 graduation ceremony of the Advanced Combat Training Programme for the Maritime Security Unit of the Deep Blue Project held at the 5th Battalion Army Barracks in Elele, Rivers State.

According to the minister, the Deep Blue Project has significantly improved security within Nigeria’s maritime domain since its launch in 2021, helping to combat piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishing, oil theft and other maritime crimes.

Oyetola said the Gulf of Guinea had previously ranked among the world’s most dangerous maritime corridors, accounting for a large percentage of global piracy incidents and crew kidnappings at sea.

He, however, noted that sustained implementation of the Deep Blue Project, alongside collaboration among security agencies, had resulted in zero piracy incidents within Nigeria’s territorial waters over the past four years, while piracy cases across the Gulf of Guinea had dropped by over 70 per cent.

The minister said the improved security situation had restored international confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector, reduced insurance concerns and strengthened the country’s blue economy.

He added that the government was intensifying efforts toward the removal of War Risk Insurance Premiums on Nigerian-bound cargoes, a move expected to reduce shipping costs, improve port competitiveness and boost trade and investment.

Oyetola also disclosed that the ministry was considering expanding the Deep Blue Project to critical coastal areas, including Igbokoda and Bakassi, to further strengthen maritime security operations.

Representing the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, Special Adviser Musa Likita commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for sustaining the gains of the project.

Likita said the achievements recorded under the initiative reflected strategic planning, sustained investment, inter-agency collaboration and the Federal Government’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He added that the project had contributed to Nigeria’s growing international reputation, including its election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization.

Also speaking, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, urged the graduating personnel to maintain discipline, professionalism and loyalty in carrying out their responsibilities.

Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the ceremony reflected Nigeria’s operational readiness and determination to maintain a safe and economically viable maritime environment.

Mobereola disclosed that 492 personnel completed 33 specialised training programmes under the Deep Blue Project.

The graduates include Maritime Security Unit operatives, pilots, mechanics, vessel crew members, interceptor boat drivers, intelligence operators and unmanned aerial systems operators.

According to him, the personnel received training in countries including Syria, Italy, Switzerland and Australia, as well as in Nigeria, to expose them to global best practices in maritime security operations.

He outlined the project’s assets to include special mission aircraft, helicopters, vessels, unmanned aerial vehicles, interceptor boats, armoured patrol vehicles and a Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence Centre coordinating operations.

Mobereola commended the support of the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, security agencies and technical partners in ensuring the success of the project.

He urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, discipline and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.