Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has called for stronger operational ties with the Nigerian Air Force to reinforce aerial surveillance and rapid response under the Deep Blue maritime security programme.
Mobereola made the request during talks with the Chief of Air, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, stressing that sustained tactical air support is critical to protecting shipping in the Gulf of Guinea and preserving recent gains against piracy. He said vessels favour safer routes and that stronger joint operations would help secure Nigeria’s trade corridors and reduce response times to maritime threats.
Aneke said the Air Force was ready to deepen cooperation through joint command structures, shared intelligence and coordinated surveillance, including the possible creation of a maritime domain awareness fusion cell to enable real-time information exchange and faster interventions across Nigeria’s waters and exclusive economic zone.
He added that the service could also provide independent ISR platforms, tactical air cover and rapid airborne deployment for interdiction and search-and-rescue missions.
The Air Chief noted operational gaps requiring attention, including communications links between air crews and maritime operators, advanced maintenance training, reliable aircraft fuelling and provision of flight gear, but pledged that collaboration with NIMASA would accelerate in the months ahead.