NIMASA IMO seat marks Nigeria’s return to global maritime stage, highlighting reforms, security gains, and renewed international confidence

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) secured a landmark return to the International Maritime Organisation Council in 2025, marking the country’s re-entry after a 14-year absence.

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The agency’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, attributed the achievement to regulatory reforms, enhanced security, labour stability, and renewed international engagement.

Under the leadership of NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the agency received commendations from the Presidency, maritime institutions, and labour unions for sustaining a reform-driven agenda focused on maritime safety, regulatory efficiency, capacity development, and global engagement.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally praised the agency following Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026 2027 biennium, describing the victory as a “strong affirmation of Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime governance.”

Tinubu commended the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their strategic efforts throughout the election process.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted intensive diplomatic engagement and sustained advocacy as critical to Nigeria’s successful IMO campaign.

Edward noted that the win restored global confidence in Nigeria’s shipping, maritime safety, and blue economy prospects, and positioned the country as a strategic platform for shaping international maritime standards.

Another significant milestone, Edward said, was the historic visit of IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, during which NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project demonstrated zero piracy enforcement, reinforcing Nigeria’s maritime security credentials.

The agency reported zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters throughout 2025.

NIMASA’s commitment to human capacity development also drew praise.

Director-General Mobereola personally attended the Maritime Academy of Nigeria graduation ceremony, the first sitting NIMASA chief executive to do so, while the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme addressed a backlog in seatime for beneficiaries.

Labour unions, including the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, commended NIMASA for improved regulatory oversight, industrial harmony, and policies enhancing seafarer welfare.

The agency also resolved a major bottleneck in the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, raising strong expectations for 2026.

Internal staff welfare and professional development initiatives were credited with improving morale and institutional efficiency.

Edward said NIMASA’s performance in 2025 delivered renewed credibility, stronger stakeholder partnerships, and measurable progress for Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Mobereola expressed optimism for 2026, pledging to consolidate these gains and further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation.

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“With sustained reforms, robust stakeholder collaboration, and proactive global engagement, NIMASA enters 2026 well-positioned to advance Nigeria’s maritime standing,” Mobereola said.