NIMASA, police reinforce collaboration to safeguard maritime assets

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Maritime, AIG Chinedu Oko, has said the collaboration between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Maritime Police aims to enhance intelligence sharing, joint operations, and maritime domain awareness to maintain Nigeria’s economic stability and global maritime standing.

AIG Oko made the disclosure on Monday November 17 2025, when he in the company of the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, made a strategic visit to the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, at the agency’s Victoria Island headquarters in Lagos.

According to a statement, AIG Oko reiterated the need for a unified security approach to safeguard key maritime infrastructure and assets.

He acknowledged NIMASA’s critical role in maritime safety regulation and its ongoing Deep Blue Project, which plays a key part in Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.

He said the visit signals intensified cooperation between the police maritime unit and NIMASA to confront prevailing security challenges in the Nigerian ports.

According to him, the visit underscored ongoing collaborative efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security framework, improve port operations, and enhance inter-agency cooperation within the maritime sector.

The Maritime Police boss praised NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety, capacity building, and the Deep Blue Project, emphasizing the need for unified efforts to safeguard coastal waters and port facilities.

CP Toyin Agbaminoja and DG NIMASA,Dr Dayo Moberiola during the visit on Monday

CP Agbaminoja reaffirmed the Ports Authority Police’s commitment to securing key port locations, including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Lekki Deep Sea, Kirikiri, and Ikorodu terminals. He also expressed enthusiasm for strengthening collaboration with NIMASA to combat maritime crimes and support trade facilitation.

Dr. Mobereola welcomed the partnership, stressing the significance of intelligence sharing, joint operations, and maritime domain awareness in sustaining Nigeria’s economic stability and its global maritime standing.

Both parties agreed to maintain engagement and strategic coordination to fortify national maritime security.