Mobereola Restates Nigeria’s Ability to Repair and Construct Ships During Visit to Nigerdock

Mobereola Restates Nigeria’s Ability to Repair and Construct Ships During Visit to Nigerdock

Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, has restated the Agency’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s shipbuilding and repair capacity during a visit to Nigerdock in Lagos.

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.

During the inspection, Mobereola stated, “What I am seeing here today is a testament to the fact that we have the ability not only to repair but also to build here in Nigeria.”

The DG stated that the inspection at Nigerdock’s Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, where the Deep Blue vessel DB Lagos is under maintenance, supports Nigeria’s strategy to enhance maritime self-reliance and security.

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.

He also highlighted that the inspection is consistent with the objectives set forth by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

Adegboyega Oyetola has focused on developing local capacity in shipbuilding and repairs. Dr. Mobereola noted that NIMASA is supporting this initiative by maintaining its vessels within the country.

This visit underscores NIMASA’s drive to promote indigenous maritime infrastructure, enhance national security, and advance sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

He emphasised 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 vessels here,” Dr. Mobereola stated.

The inspection shows NIMASA’s effort to lessen reliance on foreign shipyards and support local maritime solutions. It also supports the Deep Blue Project’s goal of securing Nigeria’s coastline with diverse assets like vessels, helicopters, and surveillance systems.

Nigerdock, situated in the Snake Island Free Zone, is recognised as one of the most advanced shipyards in West Africa. Its collaboration with government entities such as NIMASA is considered integral to developing a robust and self-sustaining maritime sector in Nigeria.

The visit aims to boost confidence in Nigeria’s ability to manage maritime assets, create jobs, and strengthen the Blue Economy.