Nigeria is strengthening its maritime ties with The Gambia, aiming to boost regional security and economic growth.
This move was announced by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the Fourth Blue Economy Conference in Banjul, The Gambia.
According to Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria is committed to expanding its maritime security infrastructure beyond its territorial waters.
Discussions are underway to extend the Deep Blue Project’s operations to cover a wider area within the Gulf of Guinea.
The Deep Blue Project has already made significant strides in maritime security, with zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters for the past three years.
This achievement has earned Nigeria global recognition from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Nigeria is also seeking re-election to the IMO Council (Category ‘C’) for the 2026-2027 biennium. Dr. Mobereola called on delegates at the conference to support Nigeria’s bid, emphasizing that the country’s representation in the IMO Council will strengthen Africa’s voice in global maritime decision-making.
By fostering strategic partnerships and strengthening maritime security, Nigeria aims to advance the shared economic interests of West and Central African nations through sustainable blue economy initiatives.
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