NIMASA Backs Local Shipbuilding as Deep Blue Vessel Docks at Nigerdock

L-R): Engr. Patrick Eigbe (NIMASA); David Danladi (Nigerdock); Tal Spekto (HLSI Nigeria); Dr. Dayo Mobereola (DG NIMASA); Navy Captain Levi Dashe Deyin (Commander, Deep Blue Task Group); Semiu Akorede (MD, SIIFZ); and Adebola Adesoye (Nigerdock) during the inspection at Nigerdock, Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, Lagos.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security infrastructure and promoting local capacity development with the ongoing maintenance of its Deep Blue special mission vessel, DB Lagos, at Nigerdock, Snake Island Integrated Free Zone in Lagos.

During an inspection visit to assess the progress of the vessel’s repairs, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the work being done, describing it as evidence of Nigeria’s growing capability in ship maintenance and construction.

“What I am seeing here today is a testament to the fact that we have the capacity not only to repair but also to build sophisticated vessels right here in Nigeria,” Dr. Mobereola stated.

The DB Lagos, a critical asset in the Deep Blue Project, plays a vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain against threats such as oil theft, smuggling, illegal immigration, and other transnational crimes. Its maintenance in-country reflects NIMASA’s commitment to boosting indigenous ship repair capacity, reducing reliance on foreign dockyards, and enhancing national security.

Mobereola noted that the Agency’s efforts align with the vision of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, who has consistently advocated for the growth of local shipbuilding and maritime services.
“At NIMASA, we are supporting this vision by ensuring our vessels are serviced locally, which strengthens the Nigerian economy and creates job opportunities for our citizens,” he added.

The inspection visit brought together key stakeholders from the maritime and security sectors, demonstrating the collaborative effort to advance Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and industrial growth.

Key Officials Present:

• Engr. Patrick Eigbe, Head, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards, NIMASA
• David Danladi, Sales Officer, Nigerdock
• Tal Spekto, Country Director, HLSI Nigeria
• Navy Captain Levi Dashe Deyin, Commander, Deep Blue Task Group
• Semiu Akorede, Managing Director, Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ)
• Adebola Adesoye, Sales Director, Nigerdock

The collaboration between NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerdock, and private sector players underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime security and shipbuilding capabilities.

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