The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the Deep Blue Project to key coastal and maritime corridors across the country, including the Bakassi Peninsula, as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial waters.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed the development during the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of 492 Advanced Combat Personnel and Capability Presentation of the Deep Blue Project Task Group at the 5th Battalion Army Barracks in Elele, Rivers State.

Oyetola said the planned expansion would focus on critical coastal areas such as the Bakassi Peninsula, Igbokoda and other vulnerable maritime corridors identified as strategic to national security and economic activities.

According to the minister, the initiative is designed to build on the successes already achieved under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, popularly known as the Deep Blue Project.

“Building on the significant strides already made, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is currently evaluating strategic frameworks for the expansion of the Deep Blue Project to further strengthen our maritime security architecture in critical coastal areas such as Igbokoda, Bakassi and other vulnerable maritime corridors,” he said.

Oyetola explained that the expansion would help curb maritime crime, boost operational effectiveness, strengthen maintenance systems and ensure that maritime security assets remain fully functional in protecting Nigeria’s waters and coastal communities.

The minister highlighted the impact of the Deep Blue Project, noting that Nigeria has recorded no piracy incidents within its territorial waters over the past four years. He attributed the achievement to sustained implementation of the programme and enhanced collaboration among maritime and security agencies.

He further stated that piracy incidents across the Gulf of Guinea have declined by more than 70 per cent during the same period, reflecting growing regional success in tackling maritime threats.

The graduation of 492 Advanced Combat Personnel is expected to further strengthen the operational capacity of the Deep Blue Project as the government continues efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and support the growth of the blue economy.