Nigeria and The Gambia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in maritime administration, particularly in seafarers’ documentation and digital transformation.
The commitment was highlighted during a four-day study visit by officials of The Gambia Maritime Administration to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), where both agencies explored strategies for improving seafarer certification systems and maritime service delivery.
Speaking during the engagement, NIMASA’s Executive Director of Operations, Mr Fatai Adeyemi, who represented the Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the visit as a reflection of the growing partnership between Nigeria and The Gambia in the maritime sector.
According to Adeyemi, “the collaboration provides an opportunity for both countries to share experiences and strengthen institutional capacity in line with global maritime standards.”
He noted that NIMASA has made significant progress in the digitalisation of seafarers’ documentation and certification processes.
“knowledge-sharing initiatives among African maritime administrations are crucial for building a more competitive maritime industry across the continent,” Adeyemi said.
NIMASA’s Director of operations also attributed the agency’s achievements in maritime administration, digital transformation, and human capacity development to the policy support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Officials from both countries held technical sessions on key areas including the issuance of seafarers’ medical certificates, conduct of examinations, processing of Certificates of Proficiency, and measures designed to strengthen the credibility and international recognition of seafarers’ certification systems.
Leader of The Gambia delegation and Manager of Ship Registry and Seafarers Affairs at the Gambia Maritime Administration, Mr. Falu Sey said; “Nigeria was selected for the study tour because of its achievements in maritime development and digital transformation.”
He explained that the practical demonstrations and technical interactions with NIMASA officials had provided valuable insights that would assist The Gambia in strengthening its maritime administration and improving service delivery.
Sey explained that “the delegation would leverage the knowledge gained during the visit to support ongoing reforms within The Gambian maritime sector.”
Industry stakeholders believe the engagement will further enhance cooperation between maritime administrations in West Africa and contribute to the harmonisation of seafarers’ certification standards across the region.
The visit also reinforces NIMASA’s growing influence as a leading maritime institution in Africa and its role in promoting capacity building, digital innovation and international best practices within the continent’s maritime industry.
