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Anchored in partnership: IMO Secretary- General visit rekindles Nigeria’s Maritime Ambition

In a visit that underscored unity of purpose and the power of collaboration, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, engaged with Nigeria’s leadership to strengthen maritime partnerships, deepen capacity, and reaffirm the country’s rising influence in global maritime affairs.

His engagements, from his courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to his tours of keymaritime infrastructure and the Institute of Maritime Studies at the University of Lagos, among others; the engagement reflected a renewed momentum in Nigeria’s blue economy journey.

In this article, Oluwafemi Kumuyi highlights the importance of this visit and its implications for the future ofNigeria’s maritime sector.

“No man is an island,” goes the old saying; a reminder that progress, whether personal or institutional, is rarely achieved in isolation.

Every thriving system is built on the strength of its partnerships, the alignment of shared visions, and the willingness to work together for common good.

This principle sits at the core of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals, which emphasizes collaboration as the cornerstone of sustainable development.

It is in this spirit that the recent visit of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, to Nigeria took place; a visit that underscores the importance of partnerships in driving the nation’s maritime ambitions and deepening global cooperation within the blue economy space.

Accompanied by the Director- General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the IMO Secretary-General was warmly

received by the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, whose leadership continues to steer Nigeria’s Blue Economy sector towards operational excellence and global relevance.

His itinerary was a carefully woven tapestry of engagements; from high-level discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to tours of strategic maritime infrastructure and educational institutions,all reflecting Nigeria’s steady and deliberate march toward a more vibrant and globally competitive maritime sector.

During his courtesy call on the Nigerian President, both leaders explored new frontiers of partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s aspiration to stand among the world’s foremost maritime nations.

Their discussions, anchored on shared values of safety, sustainability, and innovation, reflected the strong alignment between Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda and the IMO’s global mission of ensuring safer seas and cleaner oceans.

Interestingly, Dominguez’s tour of strategic maritime facilities further brought Nigeria’s growing capabilities into the spotlight.

A major highlight was his visit to the NNS Lana, the Nigerian Navy’s purpose-built hydrographic and oceanographic research vessel.

The NNS Lana, a 60-metre marvel of marine engineering, is equipped with sophisticated multi-beam echo sounders, side-scan sonar, and advanced oceanographic sensors.

It serves as a vital tool for hydrographic surveying, seabed mapping, and environmental monitoring, all of which contribute significantly to safer navigation and maritime environmental protection.

At the NIMASA C4i Centre, Mr. Dominguez witnessed a live demonstration of how technology and strategy converge to safeguard Nigeria’s waters.

The Centre, an acronym for Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence, serves as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.

Integrated with radar stations, coastal cameras, and satellite feeds, it provides real-time surveillance and enables rapid response to maritime incidents.

Operated under the Deep Blue Project, the C4i Centre stands as a testament to Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to combating piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime crimes across the Gulf of Guinea.

To further demonstrate operational readiness, the delegation visited the Ojo Cantonment, where a simulation exercise vividly showcased the seamless coordination between NIMASA’s Deep Blue assets and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The synchronized display of air, land, and sea platforms working in unison underscored the effectiveness of Nigeria’s multi-agency approach to maritime security, a model that has contributed significantly to the remarkable reduction of piracy incidents in recent years.

In continuation of his engagements, Mr. Dominguez held an interactive session with Nigerian seafarers, a rare and valuable opportunity for the nation’s maritime workforce to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations directly with the IMO’s top leadership.

The discussions covered key issues such as certification, welfare, training, and global employability of Nigerian seafarers.

Mr. Dominguez commended their resilience and professionalism, averring that the heart of global shipping beats through the dedication of seafarers.

He encouraged Nigerian seafarers to continually upgrade their skills and competencies in line with evolving international standards, while reiterating the IMO’s commitment to promoting fair treatment, mental well-being, and equal opportunities for all maritime professionals.

Interestingly, during his tour, he visited the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) building at the University of Lagos, a project sponsored and delivered by NIMASA.

The establishment of the institute marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s long-term vision to strengthen maritime education, bridge capacity gaps, and empower a new generation of professionals equipped to drive the nation’s Blue Economy forward.

Speaking during the visit, Honourable Minister of Marine and economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the maritime sector as Nigeria’s next frontier of opportunity in a post-oil era.

“With a 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), 853 kilometres of coastline, and over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, Nigeria is strategically positioned.

” It is time to unlock the full potential of the maritime sector, and that starts with building local capacity,” he stated.

The Minister further emphasized that maritime education must be at the heart of Nigeria’s development strategies, given the sector’s vast potential to generate foreign exchange, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic transformation.

He also urged Nigerian youths to embrace maritime careers, noting that the government and its partners have laid a solid foundation for a prosperous and globally competitive Blue Economy.

For the IMO Secretary-General, the initiative resonated deeply with the organization’s own goals of inclusivity and sustainability in maritime governance.

“The maritime sector is an incredible one with boundless opportunities. Bringing maritime into universities like UNILAG connects students directly with the industry.

“It’s how we attract and equip the next generation of maritime professionals,” Mr. Dominguez noted.

He further encouraged students and faculty members to explore the IMO’s e-Learning platform and programmes of the World Maritime University (WMU), affirming that knowledge remains the strongest anchor of maritime progress.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed pride in NIMASA’s commitment to supporting educational development.

“This Institute is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future. We are proud to support the University of Lagos in shaping a new generation of professionals who will drive the sector forward,” he stated.

The commissioning ceremony not only celebrated infrastructure but symbolized a deeper commitment to learning, innovation, and long-term capacity building.

The interaction between Mr. Dominguez and the students of the Institute served as a bridge between aspiration and opportunity, between local vision and global relevance.

Ultimately, the visit of Mr. Arsenio Dominguez reaffirmed what Nigeria has long stood for; that progress in the maritime domain thrives on partnerships built on trust, shared purpose, and sustainable values.

From technology to education, and from diplomacy to security, his engagements showcased the multi-dimensional strength of Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem; one that continues to evolve under the visionary coordination of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and the strategic direction of NIMASA under Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Nigeria is repositioning its maritime narrative, from reactive to proactive, and from potential to performance.

Every new investment, whether in education, safety, infrastructure, or environmental stewardship, represents a deliberate stride toward unlocking the nation’s vast maritime potential and reaffirming its status as Africa’s maritime hub.

As the tide of global collaboration continues to rise, one message resounds clearly; Nigeria is ready to lead, not merely as a beneficiary of international partnerships, but as an equal player in shaping the future of global maritime governance.

Anchored in partnership, powered by vision, and sailing with purpose, Nigeria is confidently charting a course toward a sustainable blue future.

Oluwafemi Kumuyi, an Assistant Chief Public Relations Officer with NIMASA, writes from Lagos.

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Anti-Corruption Group Commends FG on National Single Window Initiative

Gloria Odion,Maritime Reporter

The Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI), a leading non-governmental organization(NGO), has applauded the Federal Government’s forthcoming launch of the National Single Window (NSW), a centralized platform designed to integrate all transactions and interactions with public agencies.

In a joint press release, Captain Adamu Mishela (Chairman) and Funso Olojo (Secretary General) emphasized the significance of the NSW as a groundbreaking reform aimed at streamlining trade procedures, enhancing transparency, and strengthening integrity across the public sector.

Originally introduced nearly two years ago by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NSW represents a major fiscal reform intended to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Captain Mishela noted that MACI believes the initiative will minimize opportunities for corrupt practices, accelerate service delivery for citizens and businesses, and restore public confidence in government institutions

MACI reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public resources, upholding the rule of law, and promoting transparency.

The organization also expressed readiness to collaborate with government agencies, private sector partners, civil society, and the wider public to ensure the NSW achieves its objectives, mitigates risks, and serves as a strong defense against corruption.

In support of the NSW project, MACI is set to hold a seminar with the theme “Tamper-Proof National Single Window” to ensure that the initiative succeeds where other reforms before it faltered.

This initiative marks a significant step toward building a more open, accountable, and citizen-focused public sector in Nigeria.

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Alake of Egbaland identifies with NANTA @50 celebration at Ibadan

Alake of Egbaland identifies with NANTA @50 celebration at Ibadan

Geraldine Samuel

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has assured the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) of his royal presence at the association’s Golden Jubilee celebration and Annual General Meeting scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, in April.

The revered monarch gave the assurance on Thursday, March14th, 2026 when he received members of the NANTA AGM Planning Committee, led by Mrs. Lola Adewole, at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

Oba Gbadebo commended the association for its resilience and unity over the past five decades, noting that sustaining a professional body for 50 years reflects commitment, strong leadership, and shared vision among its members.

He also prayed for the continued growth and impactful contributions of the association to Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector.

According to the monarch, NANTA has consistently promoted Nigerian culture and the travel trade industry, earning an exemplary status that other professional associations and groups should emulate.

The Alake further assured the delegation that he would personally attend and grace the anniversary event, adding that Egbaland and Ibadan share deep historical, cultural, and traditional ties.

Earlier, the leader of the NANTA delegation, Mrs. Lola Adewole, who was accompanied by the association’s Second National Deputy President, Dr. Tokunbo Dagunduro, and Financial Secretary, Mr. Yinka Ladipo, informed the monarch that NANTA has always promoted Nigeria’s cultural tourism offerings as a vital national asset.

She explained that the association views the country’s cultural heritage as a gold mine that must be preserved and harnessed for Nigeria’s economic and social development.

Adewole noted that the theme of the association’s 50th anniversary celebration, “Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts: Redefining Our Role as Global Ambassadors,” reflects NANTA’s commitment to supporting and promoting Nigeria’s cultural tourism economy.

As part of activities ahead of the anniversary celebration, the NANTA team also visited the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, to formally invite him to the Ibadan conference.

During the visit, the delegation highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Ogun State and its importance to national tourism development and economic growth.

Meanwhile, the association, through its National President, Dr. Yinka Folami, has congratulated the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on his appointment.

In a letter dated March 9, acknowledged by the police authorities, Folami pledged the association’s willingness to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force in addressing fraudulent activities within the travel trade sector.

The NANTA president also formally invited the Inspector-General to the association’s elective Annual General Meeting in Ibadan in April, noting that the gathering would provide an opportunity for the police chief to interact with travel trade professionals on ways to promote a secure and globally compliant travel industry in Nigeria.

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NSW will not subsume B’Odogwu Customs trade platform — Fakolade

Gloria Odion

Tola Fakolade, the Director of Nigeria National Single Window Project has stated that the celebrated National Single Window project which first phase is due for official roll out in March,27th, 2026 is not a substitute for the Customs trade platform commonly called B’Odogwu, neither will the presidential initiative subsume the Customs platform.

Fakolade make this clarification against the rising fears that the multi- million dollar indigenous platform created by the Customs to enhance its operations and meant to replace the previous foreign – created portal, will be jettisoned at the berth of NSW.

However, he further clarified that the NSW will operate alongside the B’Odogwu Customs Management System, describing the two platforms as complementary.

“The B’Odogwu system handles core Customs processes such as valuation and risk management, while the National Single Window serves as the single-entry portal for traders to submit documents and applications for approvals,” he said.

Fakolade also declared that NSW will not replace any government agency involved in trade facilitation but will instead integrate their processes to eliminate duplication and improve efficiency.

He explained that the system is designed to ensure that once a release is issued by the Nigeria Customs Service, it would already reflect the risk assessment and compliance requirements of other port-related regulatory agencies.

According to him, key trade agencies were involved from the early stages of the project, with each nominating technical representatives who contributed to the development of the platform.

He noted that the system has already identified and addressed several duplicated processes that previously slowed cargo clearance and added no value to port operations.

Fakolade also disclosed that extensive training has been ongoing for over a month for end-users including importers, exporters, freight forwarders and officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

He added that training sessions are being conducted physically at designated centres that accommodate between 30 and 50 participants, while additional learning resources and explanatory videos have been made available online.

Fakolade added that when the platform goes live on March 27, 2026, initial services will include applications for import licences, certificates and permits for agencies such as Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, as well as manifest submissions by shipping lines and airlines.

Meanwhile, Princess Chi Ezeh, Vice President (Seaports) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), commended the committee driving the NSW Nigeria for recognising freight forwarders as critical stakeholders in the reform initiative aimed at improving trade facilitation in the country.

Ezeh noted that the decision to engage freight forwarders during the awareness and consultation stages of the project demonstrates that the implementation team understands the strategic role operators play in Nigeria’s port and logistics ecosystem.

She added that during the engagement sessions, freight forwarders were able to highlight some operational challenges they face at the ports, which the project team assured would be addressed.

She expressed optimism ahead of the planned launch of the National Single Window, urging the implementation team to ensure that the system is properly structured to enhance trade facilitation rather than create additional delays in cargo clearance processes.

Also speaking, the Chairman of APFFLON Tincan Chapter, Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo, assured that freight forwarders would play their part in ensuring the success of the initiative by submitting accurate documentation and complying with the required procedures.

He stressed that transparency and professionalism from operators are essential to achieving the project’s goal of reducing cost, saving time and improving efficiency in Nigeria’s port operations.