The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said that it closed 2025 with a string of landmark achievements that reinforced Nigeria’s maritime credibility and elevated the country’s influence in global maritime governance.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said the agency earned widespread commendation from the presidency, industry stakeholders, labour unions and international maritime institutions.
Dr. Mobereola said that NIMASA, operating under the federal ministry of Marine and Blue Economy pursued a reform-driven agenda centred on maritime safety and security, capacity development, regulatory efficiency, labour harmony and international engagement.
He stated that those efforts culminated in Nigeria’s historic return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council after 14 years, one of the most significant milestones in the nation’s maritime history.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally commended NIMASA and the Ministry following Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, describing the feat as a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s growing stature in global maritime governance.
He noted that the victory reflected international confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security and environmental stewardship, while aligning with the administration’s broader blue economy agenda.
“The election, secured on 28 November 2025 at the IMO General Assembly in London, was led by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola Mobereola attributed the success to sustained diplomatic engagement, institutional reforms and notable improvements in maritime security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, which helped restore global confidence in Nigeria,” he stated.
Further reinforcing Nigeria’s renewed relevance, the Director General stated that, NIMASA in 2025 successfully hosted the Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez.
The visit, widely regarded as historic, underscored international recognition of Nigeria’s maritime reforms, with the IMO chief openly commending the country’s security framework after witnessing a live demonstration of the Deep Blue Project.
Through effective collaboration with national and international security partners, he added that NIMASA sustained zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters during the year, a feat that strengthened investor confidence and positioned Nigeria as a reference point for maritime security best practices.
In human capital development, the NIMASA head stressed that the Agency made notable strides by addressing long-standing seatime challenges under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) and deepening support for maritime education.
In a historic first, Dr. Mobereola attended the graduation ceremony of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, an action widely praised by the Academy’s management as a strong signal of renewed institutional commitment to seafarer development.
Labour relations also witnessed remarkable stability. The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) commended NIMASA for constructive engagement that led to the successful unionisation and signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement with shipping companies, a development described as a milestone in industrial harmony.
The union further praised the Agency’s leadership for professionalism, discipline and deep sectoral knowledge.
Internally, NIMASA recorded improvements in staff welfare through promotions, training and capacity-building programmes, boosting morale and strengthening institutional efficiency.
Progress was also recorded in addressing bottlenecks affecting the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, raising optimism for meaningful disbursement in 2026.
Dr. Mobereola expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support, describing 2025 as a momentous year marked by renewed confidence and tangible progress.
“As 2026 begins, it is our firm resolve to consolidate on these gains and deliver even greater outcomes for the sector and the nation at large,” he said, expressing confidence that collective effort would drive even stronger results.
With strengthened partnerships, sustained reforms and growing international recognition, NIMASA enters 2026 well positioned to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in the global maritime space.