Mobereola Boosts Local Maritime Capacity As NIMASA’s Deep Blue Vessel Undergoes Maintenance At Nigerdock
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that In a renewed push to deepen Nigeria’s maritime self-reliance and security, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, paid an inspection visit to Nigerdock’s Snake Island Integrated Free Zone in Lagos, where the Deep Blue vessel DB Lagos is undergoing critical maintenance.
The DB Lagos, a special mission vessel under the Deep Blue Project, plays a pivotal role in surveillance and enforcement operations on Nigeria’s territorial waters. It is central to the country’s fight against oil theft, smuggling, piracy, and other transnational maritime crimes.
Dr. Mobereola, visibly impressed by the scope and quality of work at Nigerdock, praised the shipyard’s capacity and reaffirmed NIMASA’s resolve to strengthen indigenous technical capabilities.
“What I am seeing here today is a testimony to the fact that we have the ability not only to repair but also to build here in Nigeria,” said Mobereola during the inspection.
He emphasized that the vessel maintenance initiative reflects the broader policy direction of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of Honourable Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, who has consistently advocated for the development of local shipbuilding and repair infrastructure.
“We at NIMASA are demonstrating our belief in this vision by maintaining our own vessels here,” Dr. Mobereola stated.
The inspection marks a strategic commitment by NIMASA to reduce dependence on foreign shipyards and to promote sustainable, homegrown maritime solutions. It also aligns with the Agency’s wider objectives under the Deep Blue Project to secure Nigeria’s coastline using a mix of maritime assets, including vessels, helicopters, and surveillance systems.
Nigerdock, located within the Snake Island Free Zone, remains one of West Africa’s most advanced shipyards. Its partnership with government agencies such as NIMASA is seen as vital to building a resilient and self-sustaining maritime industry in Nigeria.
The visit is expected to bolster confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to maintain strategic maritime assets locally, create jobs, and support the growth of the nation’s Blue Economy.
