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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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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.
In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation  and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.
The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.
The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .
The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
 Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.
As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.
“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.
The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.
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Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of  blue economy

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.
With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.
However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their
adherence to international standards.
The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.
 These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.
Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.
Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.
Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.
 As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.
Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.
Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.
If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.
Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.
Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.
Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.
Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.
That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the  UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures
This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.
That is why the  government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN),  Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.
Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre  for maritime education and professional development.
Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
 Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.
From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.
 It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.
In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.
 By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
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