NIMASA Reaffirms Commitment to Local Shipbuilding, Inspects Deep Blue Vessel at Nigerdock

NIMASA Reaffirms Commitment to Local Shipbuilding, Inspects Deep Blue Vessel at Nigerdock

....DG Mobereola Hails Indigenous Capacity in Maritime Security Operations

Lagos, July 7, 2025 – The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has restated the agency’s commitment to boosting Nigeria’s shipbuilding and repair capacity as a key component of national maritime security and economic growth.

Dr. Mobereola made this known during an inspection tour of Nigerdock at the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone in Lagos, where the DB Lagos, a Deep Blue Project special mission vessel, is currently undergoing maintenance.

The DB Lagos plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s maritime security framework, supporting efforts to combat oil theft, smuggling, piracy, illegal migration, and other maritime crimes.

‘We Can Build and Repair Ships in Nigeria’ – DG Mobereola

Visibly impressed by the technical capacity and progress on the maintenance work, Dr. Mobereola described the project as a testament to Nigeria’s growing ability to carry out complex vessel repairs and even ship construction locally.

“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 vessels right here in Nigeria,” the NIMASA DG said.

He noted that the effort reflects NIMASA’s dedication to developing indigenous maritime infrastructure and fostering local expertise in shipbuilding, in line with the broader vision of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola.

“We at NIMASA are demonstrating our belief in this vision by ensuring our vessels are serviced locally,” Mobereola added.

 

Boosting Maritime Security and the Blue Economy

The DB Lagos vessel, one of the assets under the Deep Blue Project, is part of Nigeria’s integrated security strategy aimed at securing its vast coastline and exclusive economic zone. The project, initiated by the Federal Government, seeks to address maritime insecurity through the deployment of air, land, and sea assets manned by trained security operatives.

NIMASA’s support for local shipyards like Nigerdock aligns with national objectives to promote self-reliance, reduce capital flight, and create jobs within the marine and blue economy sectors.

Nigerdock’s Growing Role

Nigerdock, a key player in Nigeria’s shipbuilding and offshore engineering industry, has increasingly become a hub for vessel maintenance, fabrication, and logistics support. The facility at Snake Island is one of West Africa’s most advanced maritime service centers, making it a strategic partner for government-led maritime initiatives.

As NIMASA continues to expand its maritime security capacity and champion indigenous infrastructure development, stakeholders have welcomed the agency’s renewed focus on domestic shipbuilding and sustainable maritime operations.