INTEGRATION OF NIMASA C4I AND NAVAL FALCON EYE; A TOP PRIORITY – BELLO MATAWALLE
By Mcanthony Onuoha
Emphasis has been laid on Federal Government’s commitment to the integration of the operation of the Command Control Computer Communication Information System of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency- NIMASA and the surveillance facility of the Nigerian Navy, known as the Falcon eye system, for the security of the Nigerian Maritime domain and enhancement of economic growth.
The Minister of Defense (State) Bello Matawalle stated this during a working visit to the NIMASA C4i center at Kirikiri, Lagos, to assess the operational model of the facility. The Minister, stated that Nigeria would benefit much more if all the agencies of Government could synergize to improve information sharing amongst one another for the betterment of the country.
The NIMASA C4i center, with manpower composition from all security services in Nigeria is the central nerve for the Deep Blue Project with the use of modern technology to achieve security information sharing real time amongst all the Deep Blue assets which include Special mission Vessels, helicopters, aircraft, fast intervention vessels and special purpose armoured vehicles.
Speaking, the Minister said , “ I am delighted at what I have seen today at NIMASA C4i Center and our goal is to see how it can be integrated with the Falcon eye of the Nigeria Navy because all we need is to secure our maritime domain, therefore the NAVY and NIMASA must work together to create the desired maritime environment for a prosperous maritime economy”.
“We want them to work together and to be integrated so that they can communicate with each other.”
“If the Falcon eye and C4i are communicating effectively, our maritime space will be devoid of security challenges and this will boost the courage of both local and foreign investors in the sector”, the Minister stated.”
In his remarks, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola expressed delight at the visit of the Minister, stating that effective synchronization of the NIMASA C4i and the Falcon Eye of the Nigerian Navy would add to the strides of the FG in reaping the benefits of the Blue economy.
The NIMASA DG who was represented by the Agency’s Executive Director Operations Engineer Fatai Adeyemi, said improved information sharing between NIMASA and the Navy would enhance the capability of the security Agencies in curbing maritime crimes in Nigerian waters.
In his words, “We are glad to receive the Honorable Minister of State, Defence at NIMASA C4i today. This is simply a show of commitment of this administration to effective collaboration amongst all organs of government to achieve a common goal and in this instance, maritime security.”
“You heard what the Honorable Minister said about integrating the C4i with the Falcon Eye. I believe that’s a step in the right direction. And I’m sure by the time that it is done you know, it’s going to give us a more secured marine environment”, the DG said.
Meanwhile, the Falcon eye system of the Nigerian Navy is a state-of-the-art surveillance facility that incorporates various sensors located along the nation’s enormous coastline, such as Radars, long-range Electro Optic Systems with thermal or night vision capability, Automatic Identification System receivers, Weather Stations and marine Very High-Frequency Radios for communication.
The integration of these sensors into the Falcon Eye system generates a real-time situational awareness of the activities of vessels in the Nigerian maritime domain and some selected parts in the Gulf of Guinea.
