The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has listed significant achievements it recorded in 2025, which the Agency says has strengthened Nigeria’s maritime sector and enhanced its global standing.
Under the leadership of Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Agency received commendations from the Presidency, maritime institutions, labour unions, and industry stakeholders for its reform-driven agenda focused on maritime safety, security, capacity development, and regulatory efficiency.
A defining highlight of the year was Nigeria’s successful return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence. The country was elected into Category C during the IMO General Assembly held on 28 November 2025 in London.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the achievement as a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime governance. In a State House statement, the President noted that the election reflects international confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security, and environmental sustainability. He also commended the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their efforts.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who led the campaign, attributed the victory to sustained diplomatic engagements and improvements in maritime security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
In further recognition of Nigeria’s rising profile, the Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, visited the country in 2025. The visit, hosted by the Federal Government with coordination from NIMASA, reinforced Nigeria’s relevance in global maritime affairs.
On maritime security, NIMASA sustained zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters during the year, largely due to the Deep Blue Project. The IMO Secretary-General, during his visit, observed the security architecture and noted its effectiveness as a model for other maritime nations.
In the area of human capacity development, the Agency made progress in addressing the long-standing issue of sea-time training for cadets under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP). NIMASA also strengthened its support for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, with the Director-General attending the institution’s graduation ceremony for the first time in its history.
NIMASA’s engagement with maritime labour also yielded positive outcomes. The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) commended the Agency for fostering industrial harmony, including facilitating the signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement with shipping operators. The agreement is expected to improve working conditions and strengthen labour relations in the sector.
The Agency also made progress on the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, resolving key issues that had delayed its disbursement, with expectations for implementation in 2026.
Internally, NIMASA improved staff welfare through promotions, training, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional performance.
As 2025 comes to a close, NIMASA says it is focused on consolidating these gains in 2026, with continued alignment to the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.
In his New Year message, Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola thanked stakeholders for their support and expressed optimism for the year ahead.
He said, “As we look forward to 2026, it is our firm resolve to consolidate on these gains and deliver even greater outcomes for the sector.”
