Headlines

Tanzania queues behind Nigeria for election into IMO Category C seat

— as TASAC embarks on 5 -day visit to understudy NIMASA’s operations

Funso OLOJO with Gloria Odion

Nigeria’s quest to grab the elusive Category C seat of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) received a big boost on Monday ‘ May 19th, 2025 when the government of Tanzanian pledged to support Nigeria to regain the prestigious seat it last won nine years ago.

The pledge was made by the Director General of TASAC, Mohammed Salumu, when he led a high powered delegation of officials from the Tanzanian maritime administration to NIMASA for a 5- day benchmark visit to understudy the operations of the agency.

Mr Salumu, who was represented by

Mrs. Leticia Mutaki, Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, declared that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in African maritime administration and therefore the country will adequately represent the interests of African countries on the IMO category C seat.

“We believe Nigeria’s position on the IMO Council is vital for the region and the continent at large. Tanzania will continue to support this ambition,” she affirmed

The Tanzania maritime administration has embarked on the visit to NIMASA to learn the rope in maritime administration.

According to the representative of DG of TASAC, Mrs Mutak, the maritime administration of the East African country wanted to share from the experience of NIMASA on maritime safety, security, marine pollution control and how NIMASA fulfill its obligations to the IMO.

She said that the visit would also afford the two maritime administrations to formalise a long-term partnership focused on addressing common maritime challenges, enhancing regulatory capacity, and boosting youth employment across the continent.

The strategic collaboration, which was initiated during a visit by TASAC officials to the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos, is expected to cover key areas including maritime safety, flag and port state control, seafarer certification, digital transformation, and environmental protection frameworks.

Receiving the delegation, Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that the visit goes beyond ceremonial diplomacy, describing it as a foundation for structured, continent-wide maritime engagement.

“This study visit represents a valuable opportunity for our agencies to share expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions to common maritime challenges,” Mobereola said.

“We are not only here to share what we’ve achieved, but also to learn from TASAC. We view this as a mutually beneficial partnership.”

He noted that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had endorsed the initiative, citing similarities in policy direction and a shared commitment to unlocking Africa’s blue economy potential.

Mobereola outlined areas of collaboration including oversight mechanisms, flag and port state control, ship registration, oil pollution compensation systems, seafarer training and certification, financial sustainability in maritime administration, and digital transformation.

He cited the Deep Blue project as one of NIMASA’s key successes in tackling maritime insecurity but stressed that such efforts must be complemented by regional cooperation.

“Our Deep Blue project has helped enhance security in Nigeria’s waters, but maritime threats are transnational and require collective approaches. This collaboration is timely,” he said.

He also expressed NIMASA’s readiness to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding with TASAC, which is currently being reviewed by NIMASA’s legal and technical teams.

Mobereola stressed the importance of the partnership in advancing Africa’s unified voice on the global maritime stage, especially at international bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

“African maritime administrations must begin to coordinate their positions on critical issues such as market-based measures for the green transition,” he said.

“We must also explore comparative advantages in maritime energy and alternative fuels.”

On the continent’s rising role in seafarer supply, Mobereola said both countries can develop maritime human capital through coordinated training programmes and create jobs for Africa’s growing youth population.

Mr Mohammed Salumu , the Director General TASAC applauded NIMASA’s regulatory reforms and technical progress, particularly in maritime security and digitalisation.

He noted that TASAC was particularly interested in learning more about Nigeria’s approach to port and flag state control, ship registry processes, maritime training structures, and how NIMASA sustains its operations financially.

Salumu who was represented by Mrs. Leticia Mutaki, Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Environmental Protection who led the delegation said

“Your Deep Blue security framework is impressive, and your investments in human capacity development are commendable,” Salumu said.

“Tanzania is keen to learn from your systems, especially in areas of certification, flag state inspections, and seafarer welfare.”

He also confirmed that the visit had a dual purpose — to learn and to offer support for Nigeria’s quest for IMO Category C seat.

The TASAC DG described the visit as the beginning of “an important technical alliance” and assured that TASAC would also share best practices from its own regulatory environment to support mutual growth.

Both sides expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield a formal partnership that will promote operational efficiency, improved compliance, and a united African voice in maritime policy decisions.

Headlines

Royal father tasks new SWDC boss, Charles Akinola, on South West security, youth empowerment, agriculture

Funso OLOJO

The Olowo of Owo kingdom, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye 11, has urged Dr Charles Akinola, the new Managing Director of the South West Development Commission(SWDC), to focus more on the security of the South West region as well as empowerment of the youths in the region as he awaits the confirmation of his appointment by the Senate.

It could be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr Akinola to head the new commission in the South West.

Oba Gbadegesin however lauded President Tinubu for finding Dr Akinola worthy for the coveted position.

Dr Akinola, a seasoned public policy advisor and development strategist with over 30 years of experience in public service, international development, and strategic governance, specialising in agricultural development, sustainable economic growth, and policy implementation across Nigeria and West Africa, was appointed on May 8th, 2025 by President Tinubu as pioneer MD of the SWDC.

However, speaking to Journalists, Oba Ogunoye, described Dr Akinola’s appointment as putting a square peg in a square hole, saying he will facilitate social and economic development in the South West.

According to the foremost traditional ruler, the training, political experience and exposure of Dr Akinola would help him succeed on the job.

“The appointment of Dr Akinola, I believe, is in the right direction.

“Dr Akinola is a square peg in a square hole. He’s eminently qualified, and going by his experiences over the years, his training and his political experiences, I believe it is gratifying that such a wonderful personality has been found worthy by President Tinubu for appointment as the MD of SWDC.

“Dr Akinola is a man of good character, of good learning, and a man who is out to work for the interest of the Yoruba people.

“Being given this appointment, I believe that he will be all out to service the good people of Yoruba land.

” This is a call for service and I know that he will give service, selfless service, for the benefit of the people of Yoruba land.

” I know for sure that he will use his political connections for our benefit.

Oba Olowo, who chronicled Dr Akinola’s early days in the kingdom of Owo, said the principle of Omoluabi imbibed by him during his formative age would help put him on a trajectory of growth and development of the region.

“He’s a man that has a great connection with this great Kingdom of Owo.

“His early years in life were in Owo. So, I believe he had imbibed our character and must have had it going for him for the task ahead.

“The good people of Yoruba will expect much more deliverables from the SWDC as recently passed into law by Mr President.

“We appreciate Mr President for finding this wonderful personality to be charged with these moral roles and highly demanding office.”

The traditional ruler, however, charged Dr Akinola to ensure the security of lives, properties, Agriculture, employment and skill acquisition for youths should be his priority.

“Our people, the younger ones, educated and non-educated, who are not gainfully employed, should be provided with skills and training.

“There must be training of our youths in skilled labour such as carpentry, and revitalisation of technical colleges for the training of our youths rather than having University graduate without skills, thereby, increasing unemployment rate.”

“State Police is coming up now as the idea has been generally accepted throughout Nigeria.

“So, the commission should be at the forefront of the training of personnel and equipment for the policing system that will cover Yoruba land, either collectively as a civil unit of policing authority in the southwest or maybe on the individual basis of the states.

“The commission should network across the length and breadth of Yoruba land and ensure that our policing system will be top-notch and well-equipped with modern facilities, especially using Information Communication Technology (ICT), to secure the South West.

“On agriculture, value should be added to the agricultural produce. Value addition to agricultural produce, small-scale, large-scale, and medium-scale industries in all agricultural produce.

“The commission must think about the establishment of clusters of industries that will process our agricultural produce.

“We have to drive our agriculture through value addition and majorly towards exports to earn foreign exchange.

“I think this will go a long way in enabling the Yoruba nation to be much richer and foremost among other regions,” Oba Ogunoye stated.

Headlines

NIMASA boosts staff morale at retreat

– rewards exceptional performance to drive commitment to operational excellence

Gloria Odion

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has singled out six staff of the agency for rewards due to their outstanding performance,diligence and commitment to duties.

The outstanding staff were rewarded at the management retreat organized by the agency to bouy the morale of the workforce.

Dr. Dayo Mobereola, at the retreat, reaffirmed that staff welfare and continuous capacity development are central to achieving operational excellence at the Agency.

The inaugural Senior Management Retreat for the Agency’s operational staff was held under the theme: “One Mission, One Team: Driving Operational Excellence.”

The retreat brought together senior personnel within the operations cadre, whose responsibilities are critical to the daily execution of NIMASA’s statutory mandates.

Six outstanding staff, who emerged as top performers in 2023 and 2024, were honored at the event.

The Director Marine and Environment Management Department, Heaky Dimowo, Co-ordinator Western zone Gloria Ayansoda, Port Service controller Calabar Port, Aina Akinbola Aderemi, and Engr. Olayiwola Olanrewaju who emerged as the best District Surveyor.

Other awardees are Engr. Moshood Taiwo Akinwumi and Engr. Olumide Olugoke Oyewole who emerged Employees of the years 2023 and 2024 respectively.

In his address, Dr. Mobereola emphasized that the Agency’s overall success hinges on the commitment and dedication of its workforce.

He applauded the operational team for their contributions toward advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector and reiterated management’s dedication to providing a conducive environment for professional growth.

“Our success as a team depends largely on the commitment of our operational staff,” he noted.

“We will continue to provide an enabling environment that supports capacity development on a continuous basis.

” Our vision to become the leading maritime administration in Africa, advancing Nigeria’s global maritime goals, is only achievable when staff remain dedicated to their duties.”

He further encouraged attendees to internalize the Agency’s core values, “CAPITAL D”, which serve as a framework for performance, discipline, and professionalism across all levels.

NIMASA’s performance-based reward system is being strengthened, with new initiatives such as gift vouchers introduced to encourage excellence.

Also speaking at the retreat, the Executive Director of Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, described the forum as a valuable platform for knowledge transfer, team building, and strategic alignment.

He emphasized his commitment to an open-door policy, promoting transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving.

“This retreat marks a new chapter in how we operate,” he stated.

“It provides an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen our teamwork, and recommit to our shared mission of delivering maritime excellence.”

The retreat concluded on a high note, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and commitment to driving NIMASA’s operations to greater heights.

Headlines

MWUN reaffirms commitment to strong relationship with Greenview company

Gloria Odion

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) ,under the leadership of its President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, received the management team of Greenview on Wednesday, May, 14th, 2025, at the Union’s Secretariat in Olodi Apapa, Lagos.

The Greenview team was led by Mr. Yakubu Abdullahi, the General Manager of the company.

During the visit, Mr. Abdullahi and his team congratulated Comrade Bunu on his electoral victory, affirming Greenview unwavering support for the PG of MWUN, believing that his labour-friendly ideologies and strong penchant for promoting workers’ welfare coasted him to a resounding victory on his election recently.

The Delta State -born Labour leader thanked the management of the company for the visit and pledged that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria will continue to uphold the existing relationship with the management of Greenview.

He further noted that that both organizations must be on same page, especially in the areas of protecting workers’ welfare, which is paramount to the Union, given Greenview status in the country’s maritime industry.

Comrade Bunu however urged the visiting management to continue with its “Workers’ Inclusiveness” policy, while also admonishing them to keep an eye on the welfare of the workers at all times.