According to a report by the Vanguard, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola highlighted the Federal Government's efforts to prevent piracy incidents in the maritime sector over the past two years. Oyetola underscored the significance of this achievement, stating that it has bolstered the country's standing at the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Crediting the success to the Deep Blue Project intervention, Oyetola referred to this progress as a noteworthy milestone in Nigeria's maritime industry. He explained that "The Deep Blue Project was established as a solution to effectively manage, control, and safeguard the valuable resources of the country." The initiative's objective is to supervise the entire maritime territory of the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), combat illicit activities in sea and inland waterways, and enhance the enforcement capabilities of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to boost revenue generation.
Oyetola also emphasized the positive impact of the project, particularly after its full deployment in Nigeria's continental shelf in 2021. He mentioned that it has significantly bolstered maritime security, leading to a notable decrease in piracy and maritime threats, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of safety and security in the maritime domain.
Furthermore, he stressed the significance of leveraging Nigeria's extended continental shelf, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect the nation's abundant marine resources from potential dangers.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, highlighted the pivotal role of the Deep Blue Project in strengthening national security and ensuring the safety of Nigeria's waterways. He clarified that although the project was initiated by the federal government, it was effectively executed by NIMASA.
Mobereola pointed out that Nigeria is no longer listed among the piracy hotspots by the international community, emphasizing the continued need for support to cover the expanded continental shelf allotted to Nigeria by the global body.