Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has wrapped up 2025 on a remarkable high, posting landmark achievements that strengthened Nigeria’s maritime architecture and elevated the nation’s global standing. Led by its Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Agency earned rare commendations from the Presidency, international institutions, labour unions, and key maritime stakeholders.
Operating under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA sustained a reform-centered agenda that prioritized maritime safety, security, capacity building, regulatory efficiency, labour harmony, and international diplomacy. These efforts culminated in one of the nation’s most celebrated maritime victories, Nigeria’s return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after 14 years.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally congratulated NIMASA after Nigeria secured a seat in Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. He described the election as “a clear endorsement of Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security, environmental stewardship, and global regulatory compliance.”
The President also praised the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, and the diplomatic team for “professionalism and strategic engagement” throughout the campaign.
According to the Presidency, Nigeria’s re-entry into the IMO Council aligns seamlessly with Tinubu’s broader strategy to unlock the blue economy, strengthen anti-piracy operations, expand maritime infrastructure, and position the nation as West Africa’s shipping and logistics hub.
Nigeria’s victory on 28 November 2025 during the IMO General Assembly in London marked a triumphant return to global maritime leadership. The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, led the diplomatic push, backed by months of advocacy, stakeholder mobilization, and inter-agency collaboration.
Dr. Oyetola attributed the success to Nigeria’s improved maritime security architecture, particularly reforms in the Gulf of Guinea, which boosted the confidence of member states.
With the win, Nigeria can now influence global shipping policies, safety standards, and sustainable ocean governance.
Another defining moment was the visit of IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez — a clear sign of the country’s renewed relevance in global maritime affairs.
The Honourable Minister led the high-level engagements, while NIMASA coordinated technical sessions and industry interactions. The visit solidified Nigeria’s profile as a key maritime nation and affirmed the Agency’s reforms.
NIMASA sustained zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters throughout 2025 — a major feat attributed to enhanced collaboration with national and international security agencies.
The Deep Blue Project remained central to this success. During his visit, the IMO Secretary-General witnessed a live demonstration of Deep Blue operations and commended Nigeria’s security model as one “other maritime nations can learn from.”
The Agency also improved its Port and Flag State performance, surpassing globally accepted benchmarks.
NIMASA intensified maritime human-capacity development, especially in addressing the seatime backlog under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).
In a historic first, DG Mobereola attended the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron graduation ceremony. MAN Rector, Dr. Okonia, praised NIMASA’s contributions, noting that the Agency continues to strengthen seafarer training and manpower quality.
Maritime labour unions, led by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), applauded NIMASA for constructive engagement, improved regulatory oversight, and enhanced workers’ welfare.
MWUN President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu, hailed the Agency for facilitating the unionization process and the successful signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with several shipping companies, a milestone for industrial harmony.
He described Dr. Mobereola as “one DG ever produced by NIMASA who is thorough, proactive, disciplined, and deeply knowledgeable in maritime administration.”
MWUN also praised NIMASA for supporting anti-piracy efforts, advancing seafarers’ welfare, and backing Nigeria’s campaign for IMO Council membership.
The Agency, in collaboration with the Minister, successfully broke through longstanding obstacles hindering the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). Stakeholders are optimistic that 2026 will mark a new phase for indigenous fleet expansion.
Internally, NIMASA improved staff welfare through promotions, targeted training, and structured capacity-building programs designed to boost efficiency, professionalism, and operational performance. These reforms strengthened morale and institutional capability.
With renewed credibility, stronger partnerships, enhanced security outcomes, and rising international recognition, NIMASA enters 2026 in a commanding position to deepen its reforms and further advance Nigeria’s maritime leadership.
In his New Year message, Dr. Mobereola expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their partnership and support throughout 2025.
He described the year as “momentous,” marked by “significant achievements and renewed global confidence.”
“As we look forward to 2026,” he said, “it is our resolve to consolidate on these gains and deliver greater outcomes for the sector and the nation. Working together, we will make this possible.”
He wished all stakeholders a peaceful and prosperous 2026
