The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has initiated a coordinated enforcement operation, code-named "Blue-Green", across key operational areas in Lagos. This operation aims to enhance maritime security and compliance with regulations. The exercise involves the deployment of assets from the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, also known as the Deep Blue structure, and relevant maritime security units.
The operation combines intelligence gathering, analysis, and target development with coordinated enforcement at sea. NIMASA has deployed a new specialised intelligence capability within the NIMASA Deep Blue and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence System. This capability is designed to improve the identification, assessment, and prioritisation of vessels of interest. It provides real-time intelligence support to enforcement teams during the operation.
According to Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations at NIMASA, Osagie Edward, the operation seeks to improve maritime security and compliance. The inspections conducted during the operation covered statutory certification, cargo and voyage documentation, surcharge obligations, and cabotage compliance requirements. Several vessels were boarded and inspected for document verification and compliance screening.
NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, stated that the "Blue-Green" enforcement operation will now be a regular occurrence. The operation demonstrated the value of combining NIMASA's enforcement capabilities with C4i intelligence and Deep Blue maritime assets. This provides a foundation for more structured and sustained intelligence-led enforcement operations aimed at strengthening maritime compliance and supporting improved revenue generation.
Dr Mobereola further emphasised that NIMASA will formalise Blue-Green as a recurring intelligence-led enforcement model. The agency plans to progressively expand similar operations to other maritime regions, including Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri, in line with operational readiness and intelligence priorities. The deployment of multiple enforcement platforms serves as a deterrent to individuals with criminal intentions.
The operation showcased the importance of interagency cooperation, with NIMASA expressing gratitude for the level of cooperation from the armed forces. The agency's efforts to enhance maritime security and compliance are expected to have a positive impact on the country's maritime industry. The Blue-Green operation is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The success of the Blue-Green operation highlights the need for continued investment in maritime security and enforcement. NIMASA's efforts to improve maritime compliance and revenue generation are crucial for the country's economic growth. The agency's commitment to sustaining intelligence-led enforcement operations is expected to yield positive results in the long term.
Key points
- NIMASA's Blue-Green operation aims to enhance maritime security and compliance with regulations.
- The operation combines intelligence gathering, analysis, and target development with coordinated enforcement at sea.
- NIMASA plans to expand the Blue-Green operation to other maritime regions in Nigeria.
