By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has renewed its strategic partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, signing a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for capacity development in Nigeria’s maritime sector, according to a statement signed by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at the Agency.
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Under the renewed agreement, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU for the 2026–2029 academic intakes. The Agency will also sponsor at least one officer each year for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the partnership as a critical pillar of the Agency’s capacity development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.
He said the collaboration has significantly strengthened the Agency’s technical and regulatory capabilities, noting that officers trained at WMU have enhanced NIMASA’s effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management. Their expertise, he added, has reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other global maritime platforms.
The renewed MoU, first signed in 2022, also provides for distance learning programmes, executive professional development courses, research collaboration, and technical assistance. These initiatives aim to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification, and implementation of international maritime instruments. WMU will also seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.
Dr. Mobereola signed the agreement on behalf of NIMASA, while WMU President, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., signed on behalf of the University. The Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NIMASA, Chudi Offodile, and WMU Registrar, Mr. Peter Marriott, signed as witnesses.
Back row: Director, Legal Services, NIMASA, Heaky Dimowo; (2nd right); Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott (3rd right); Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile (4th right); Director, Administration and Human Resources, NIMASA, Moji Jimoh (3rd left); Head of Training, NIMASA, Oluwseun Olufunke and others during the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding, MoU on strategic capacity development between NIMASA and theWorld Maritime University (WMU), in Malmö, Sweden
Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries. Nigeria has benefited significantly from the training of NIMASA officers at the University, contributing to improved maritime governance and stronger international engagement.
