President Bola Tinubu has officially declared that piracy in Nigerian waters has been eliminated, citing a massive shift in maritime security and the successful deployment of the Deep Blue Project.
Speaking during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 13, 2026, the President emphasized that the safety of Nigeria’s sea lanes is no longer just a goal, but a reality acknowledged by the global maritime community.
1. The “Deep Blue” Success
The President credited this milestone to sustained investment in the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure (the Deep Blue Project).
- The Assets: The initiative has deployed a sophisticated network of intelligence and surveillance, including special mission vessels, fast intervention boats, and aerial platforms.
- The Results: President Tinubu noted that not only has piracy been wiped out within Nigeria’s territorial waters, but there has also been a substantial reduction in attacks across the entire Gulf of Guinea.
2. Maritime Sovereignty as an Economic Tool
For President Tinubu, this isn’t just about security—it’s about investment.
- The Blue Economy: He argued that secure sea lanes are a prerequisite for attracting private capital into the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
- Global Standing: The President highlighted Nigeria’s recent election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium as proof of the world’s renewed confidence in Nigeria’s maritime governance.
3. Institutional Reform
The President described the creation of a dedicated Ministry for the blue economy as a “central pillar of state policy,” signaling that Nigeria is moving away from being purely land-focused to embracing its vast oceanic potential for job creation and trade.
