The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITC-ILO), Turin, Italy, to strengthen institutional capacity and advance human capital development in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The agreement is aimed at enhancing NIMASA’s institutional capabilities through targeted technical assistance, specialised training programmes and capacity-building initiatives for staff and key stakeholders in the maritime industry.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to developing a skilled and globally competitive maritime workforce capable of meeting emerging industry demands.
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The Director-General, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile, said investment in human capacity development remains a strategic priority for the agency and a critical component of efforts to build a robust and sustainable maritime sector.
According to him, the partnership aligns with NIMASA’s objective of implementing structured capacity-building programmes for maritime professionals while leveraging the expertise and global experience of the ITC-ILO.
He noted that the collaboration would strengthen the training of maritime labour inspectors, policymakers and trainers, particularly in the interpretation and implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
“This partnership reinforces the Agency’s commitment to structured and targeted capacity development. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen maritime labour administration and support the development of a maritime sector that is professionally driven, globally respected, safe and anchored on the principles of decent work,” Mobereola said.
Dr Mobereola further emphasised that the knowledge, systems and partnerships developed under the agreement would contribute to improved regulatory effectiveness and enhance the overall performance of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
In his remarks, the Director of the ITC-ILO, Christopher Perrin, expressed appreciation for the partnership and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s human capacity development objectives.
He assured that the ITC-ILO would deploy its expertise, training resources and global network to support the implementation of the programme and ensure its success.
The Memorandum of Understanding is the culmination of a series of strategic engagements between NIMASA and the ITC-ILO aimed at fostering collaboration in capacity development and institutional strengthening.
The Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba, and the Head of Training at the ITC-ILO, Giuseppe Zefola, served as focal persons for the initiative, while the Regional Adviser and Technical Expert at the International Labour Organisation, Dr Amos Kuje, provided technical guidance throughout the engagement process.
The partnership underscores NIMASA’s commitment to enhancing professional competence, strengthening maritime labour administration and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to position Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in Africa.
