NIMASA, NAF sign MoU on maritime security

By  Godwin Oritse
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has entered into an agreement with the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, with a view to providing effective aerial surveillance and monitoring of the nation’s coastal waters.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, NIMASA’s Director-General, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, said  the strategic partnership would not only promote maritime security and safety, it would  also enhance revenue generation for economic development.
He pleaded with the management of the NAF not to allow any form of bureaucracy to hamper the MoU so that the purpose of the partnership would not be defeated.
The Director-General pointed out that the partnership would, when fully operational, either reduce the issue of piracy or eliminate the menace from the nation’s waters.
He said: “When there are dangers in the waters we need the search and rescue support of the Nigerian Air Force because they have what it takes to do the job. So, it is necessary we partner with them.”
Responding, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh, said the NAF had the capacity to go deep into the sea, noting that there were agencies and institutions that were legally empowered for such responsibilities.
He assured that the NAF would support NIMASA in ensuring that the nation’s waters were free from criminals.
According to him, “What we should do is to ensure that Nigeria benefits maximally from every action we take regarding this MoU. Our planes and surveillance equipment are packed with intelligence. We will join you in this war against piracy in our waters.”