Naval officers from 20 countries, currently participating in the Siren Course onboard the French Navy’s LHD TONNERRE, have visited the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a knowledge-sharing engagement.
The visit, aimed at enhancing maritime security cooperation, took place at NIMASA’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos.
Colonel Stéphane Oseo, Defence Attaché at the French Embassy in Nigeria, led the delegation and said the visit was intended to deepen understanding of how Maritime Administrations operate under the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Safety and Security in West and Central Africa.
He described the collaboration between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy as a model partnership, particularly for its effectiveness in improving security coordination in the Gulf of Guinea.
The 40 officers, representing 20 nations, have been onboard the LHD TONNERRE since September 1, 2025, and made a two-day port call in Lagos to facilitate the exchange.
During the visit, the delegation met with officials of NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project, engaging on strategies for maritime domain awareness and inter-agency coordination.
The officers also toured the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) to learn about Nigeria’s operational procedures for maritime search and rescue coordination.
Briefings at the RMRCC included practical insights into multi-agency responses to maritime emergencies and the country’s search and rescue protocols.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, represented by Mr. Heaky Dimowo, Director of Marine Environment Management, reiterated the agency’s commitment to regional collaboration for improved maritime safety and security across the Gulf of Guinea.
Mr. Dimowo emphasized the importance of international knowledge sharing in tackling contemporary maritime threats such as piracy, illicit trafficking, and environmental hazards.
The visiting officers expressed appreciation for the comprehensive briefings, highlighting the professionalism and expertise of NIMASA personnel.
Colonel Oseo said the engagement reinforced trust and interoperability between navies and maritime agencies across the West and Central African sub-region.
The delegation also examined Nigeria’s use of technology and intelligence in maritime governance, particularly through the Deep Blue Project’s initiatives.
A group interaction session concluded the visit, providing officers the opportunity to exchange ideas on improving maritime domain awareness and regional security operations.
The engagement further underscores NIMASA’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, reinforcing regional security frameworks, and building the capacity of naval officers worldwide.
