Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has intensified efforts to modernise Nigeria’s maritime administration system through strategic engagements with global industry leaders.
On the sidelines of Posidonia 2026 in Athens, Greece, Dr. Mobereola held high-level discussions with the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen of the Malta Ship Registry, Mr. Ivan Tabone, focusing on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and technical cooperation aimed at transforming the Nigerian Ship Registry into a world-class maritime platform.
The meeting explored areas of collaboration including ship registration procedures, regulatory efficiency, digital transformation, and the adoption of international best practices. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation to enhance the competitiveness and global appeal of the Nigerian Ship Registry.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s determination to fully automate the Nigerian Ship Registry in line with global standards and emerging industry trends.
“Our goal is to build a transparent, efficient and technology-driven ship registry that meets international best practices while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector. The ongoing reforms are designed to improve service delivery, encourage indigenous vessel registration, strengthen investor confidence and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa,” he stated.
The NIMASA Director General noted that the Agency’s modernization agenda aligns with the broader vision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
For his part, Mr. Tabone expressed Malta’s readiness to share expertise and best practices that could support Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, emphasizing the importance of innovation, efficiency, and robust regulatory frameworks in building globally competitive ship registries.
Widely regarded as one of the most successful ship registries in the world, the Malta Ship Registry is the largest merchant shipping register in Europe and ranks among the top six globally by gross tonnage. With over 9,500 vessels flying its flag, the registry has earned international recognition for its efficient administration, strong legal framework, and strict adherence to global maritime standards.