Two new security boats take to Nigerian waters

New vessels highlight Spanish interest in Nigerian maritime sector

NIGERIA: In an ongoing effort to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, took delivery of two new bulletproof boats earlier this month.

Built in Spain by Aresa, the two 13,2 m boats are likely to be deployed shortly. Speaking at an event to acknowledge the collaboration of Nigeria and Spain on the completion of the project, the newly appointed DG of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola emphasised that maritime security could not be accomplished in silos.

“Collaboration plays a major role in achieving safety and security in the maritime domain. We appreciate the gesture from the Spanish Government, and we will explore areas of collaboration particularly in terms of both human and infrastructural development.”

“We will work out the logistics so that these vessels can be deployed immediately. I am confident that they will be instrumental not just to enhance security in Nigerian waters, but also shore up revenue accruable to the Federal Government as port calls by vessels will increase, and fishing in Nigerian Coastal waters will become a major industry in Nigeria,” he said.

The eight passenger, 13.2 metre long vessels have a fuel capacity of 3000 liters and are fully air-conditioned with a range of 500 Nautical Miles. They are powered with two 2,300 horsepower outboard engines with a maximum speed of 45 Knots and 25 Knots at cruising speed.

NIMASA now has seven fast interventions bulletproof Aresa boats in their fleet which, according to statements, are to be deployed soon.

Also speaking at the celebration, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell noted that the Spanish Government looked forward to further collaboration.

“This is one more milestone in the cooperation between Spain and Nigeria for maritime security. The Spanish government sees Nigeria as prime in attaining security in the Gulf of Guinea. We also have a naval ship present in the Gulf of Guinea to enhance security. The message from our President back home is for the Embassy to seek more partnership with Nigeria in the maritime sector.”

“The creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry by President Bola Tinubu GCFR is a sign that this administration is committed to harnessing the Ocean potentials and Spain is ready to support Nigeria all the way. This is why I came from Abuja to see the DG”, he said.

Aresa Shipyards in Spain has identified Africa as a significant market. In an interview last year, CEO Oriol López commented that business was "skyrocketing" in Africa. The company has supplied vessels to both NIMASA as well as the Nigerian Navy. Aresa has also previously supplied vessels to African military customers in Senegal, Cameroon and Angola. With a history of building fishing vessels, the shipyard has also secured orders in this sector within Africa.

Mobereola, who took up the position of Director General in March this year, has prioritised NIMASA’s safety and security mandate and aims to see the maritime authority embrace innovation.

In his maiden speech last month, he committed to a purpose-driven organisation. “We must strive to foster innovation and excellence in everything we do. The maritime industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing market dynamics, and evolving regulatory frameworks. As leaders in the sector, we must embrace innovation, adapt change, and continuously seek ways to enhance the efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience of our maritime operations,” he told guests.

Mobereola holds a PhD and an MSc in Transport Economics from the University of Wales, United Kingdom. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport, England, and a fellow of the same institute in Nigeria. He was the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) from 2003 to 2015 and the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State from 2015 to 2016.

PHOTO CAPTION: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) and the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell shortly after an inspection of two new Aresa enforcement boats acquired by NIMASA in Lagos.