By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reiterated the Agency’s commitment to building an efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime administration capable of driving the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Mobereola gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Alumni Association of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO), led by its President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, during a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
The NIMASA Director-General stated that the Agency remains focused on implementing reforms and initiatives that will strengthen regulatory oversight, promote innovation and create more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers in line with the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
According to him, maritime stakeholders such as AMANO remain critical partners in the collective effort to unlock the enormous potential of the nation’s maritime industry and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
“Our vision is to build a maritime administration that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive. We will continue to pursue reforms that strengthen regulatory oversight, promote innovation and expand opportunities for Nigerian seafarers in line with the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy,” Mobereola said.
He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between NIMASA and industry stakeholders, noting that such partnerships are essential for developing policies and programmes that will enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Speaking earlier, the President of AMANO, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, commended NIMASA for deploying the electronic platform for the issuance of Seafarers’ Certificates, describing it as a significant milestone that has improved efficiency, transparency and accessibility for Nigerian seafarers.
Maiguwa also lauded the Agency’s strategic partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding with local and international organisations, noting that they have expanded opportunities for the training, certification and employment of Nigerian seafarers.
While expressing the Association’s readiness to deepen collaboration with NIMASA, he highlighted key areas requiring sustained engagement, including the expansion of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), greater stakeholder participation in maritime policy formulation, effective implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), enhanced protection of seafarers against abandonment, improved welfare initiatives and the establishment of a sustainable pension framework for maritime professionals.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange views on issues affecting the maritime sector, with discussions focusing on seafarer development, implementation of international maritime instruments and strategies for promoting sustainable growth within the industry.
According to a statement signed by Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, the engagement underscored the shared commitment of both organisations to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime workforce and advancing the country’s maritime development agenda.
