Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed Nigeria?s desire to strengthen maritime collaboration with The Gambia to enhance regional security and economic growth. The Minister made this declaration at the Fourth Blue Economy Conference in Banjul, The Gambia.

Delivering the Minister?s speech at the event, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized Nigeria?s commitment to expanding its maritime security infrastructure beyond its territorial waters. He revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding the potential extension of the Deep Blue Project?s operations to cover a wider area within the Gulf of Guinea.

?Nigeria remains committed to being a stabilizing force, fostering cooperation, and promoting sustainable development through the blue economy. We are dedicated to ensuring safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea region. Given the recent disruption in global trade caused by the crisis in the Suez Canal, there has been a surge in shipping traffic around Africa. To address this, Nigeria is working towards extending the operational coverage of its Deep Blue assets to further enhance maritime security,? Dr. Mobereola stated.

In addition to advancing regional cooperation, Dr. Mobereola called on delegates at the conference to support Nigeria?s bid for re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council (Category ?C?) for the 2026-2027 biennium.

?Let me take this opportunity to inform this esteemed gathering that Nigeria has formally declared its candidacy for the IMO Council election under Category ?C? for the 2026-2027 term. We seek the kind support and vote of member states of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) in the forthcoming election at the 34th IMO Assembly Session. Nigeria?s representation in the IMO Council will strengthen Africa?s voice in global maritime decision-making, particularly in areas related to the blue economy, maritime safety and security, and environmental sustainability, given the volume of trade conducted in our region,? he said.

Dr. Mobereola also highlighted that Nigeria?s efforts in maritime security have received global recognition. Both the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and the IMO have commended the country for its effective deployment of the Deep Blue Project, which has sustained zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters for the past three years.

Nigeria remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships, strengthening maritime security, and advancing the shared economic interests of West and Central African nations through sustainable blue economy initiatives.

?PHOTO: L-R: Secretary General, Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Gambian Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ebrima Sillah and Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata during the 4th International Blue Economy Conference in Gambia.

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