By Bavoriat Clara
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, on 20 February 2026 paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strategic engagement focused on consolidating air–maritime collaboration in support of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project and advancing the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda through enhanced maritime domain security.
Dr Mobereola reaffirmed that maritime security remains fundamental to economic stability, international trade, and sustained investor confidence. He noted Nigeria’s reported long-term trend of zero piracy incidents within its territorial waters over the past four years, describing the achievement as a testament to the professionalism and coordinated efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
According to him, the milestone has strengthened Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime community and created a safer environment for commerce.
The NIMASA boss further observed that the increasing volume of maritime traffic across Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways requires sustained vigilance, advanced surveillance, and rapid response capabilities.
He stressed that stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force would guarantee continuous aerial oversight, timely intelligence sharing, and proactive deterrence needed to protect maritime assets and unlock the full potential of the nation’s blue economy.
Responding, Air Marshal Aneke assured the NIMASA Director-General of the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to enhanced operational synergy. He highlighted the Air Force’s air capabilities tailored for maritime roles, including long-range surveillance aircraft, maritime patrol platforms, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and rapid-response air assets for swift deployment across coastal corridors.
The Chief of the Air Staff explained that these platforms provide real-time situational awareness, precision tracking, and coordinated response options essential for securing sea lines of communication and critical offshore infrastructure. He added that the integration of advanced sensors, data-link systems, and inter-agency communication frameworks enables seamless information sharing and operational coordination.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that air power remains a decisive force multiplier in maritime security operations, offering speed, flexibility, and reach that significantly enhance deterrence and enforcement capabilities in support of the Deep Blue Project.
The renewed partnership between NIMASA and the Nigerian Air Force underscores a shared strategic vision aligned with the President’s drive to harness Nigeria’s vast maritime resources for sustainable national development.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen the nation’s air maritime security architecture and safeguard waterways, thereby supporting economic growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity.
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