Connect with us

Headlines

2025 in retrospect: NIMASA finishes strong in service delivery 

Osagie Edward
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has ended the year 2025 on an impressive note, recording far-reaching achievements that have strengthened Nigeria’s maritime sector and enhanced the country’s standing in global maritime governance.
Under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Agency earned commendations from the Presidency, maritime institutions, labour unions, and a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders.
Throughout the year under review, NIMASA, operating under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, sustained a reform-driven agenda focused on maritime safety and security, capacity development, regulatory efficiency, labour harmony, and international engagement.
These deliberate efforts culminated in one of Nigeria’s most significant maritime milestones in recent history — the country’s successful return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence.
Presidential Commendation and Global Recognition
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally commended the management of NIMASA following Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, describing the achievement as a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime governance.
In a State House press release, the President noted that the election reflects the confidence of the international community in Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based operations. He specifically applauded the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their professionalism, strategic engagement, and tireless efforts throughout the election process.
President Tinubu further emphasized that Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council aligns seamlessly with his administration’s broader vision to unlock the nation’s vast blue economy potential, strengthen anti-piracy initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea, expand maritime infrastructure, and position Nigeria as a regional shipping and logistics hub.
Landmark IMO Council Victory
Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council on Friday, 28 November 2025, during the IMO General Assembly in London, stands out as the defining highlight of the year.
 The victory, led by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, marked Nigeria’s triumphant return to the Council after more than a decade.
Describing the outcome as a landmark endorsement of Nigeria’s maritime reforms, Dr. Oyetola credited over twelve months of intensive diplomatic shuttles, sustained advocacy, and coordinated stakeholder engagement involving NIMASA and other national institutions.
 He noted that Nigeria’s improved maritime security architecture and reforms in the Gulf of Guinea played a decisive role in restoring global confidence.
With this development, Nigeria has been restored to a strategic global platform where it can meaningfully contribute to shaping international shipping policies, maritime safety standards, and sustainable ocean governance.
Hosting the IMO Secretary-General
Another major highlight of the year was NIMASA’s successful hosting of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, the world’s leading maritime official.
 The historic visit underscored Nigeria’s renewed relevance within the global maritime community.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy personally led the engagement, providing strategic leadership and hosting the IMO Secretary-General, while NIMASA, as Nigeria’s nodal agency to the IMO, coordinated technical sessions and stakeholder interactions.
The visit further reinforced international confidence in Nigeria’s maritime reforms and institutional capacity.
Sustaining Zero Piracy in Nigerian Waters
Working in synergy with national and international security architecture, NIMASA successfully sustained zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters during the year under review.
The Agency’s Deep Blue Project proved instrumental in this achievement. Port and Flag State during the period under review have been effective and surpassed the globally acceptable standards.
During his visit, the IMO Secretary-General witnessed a live demonstration by the Deep Blue security team and reportedly stated that other maritime nations have much to learn from Nigeria’s maritime security framework.
Commitment to Capacity Development
In the area of human capacity development, Dr. Mobereola and his management team demonstrated uncommon commitment to maritime education.
 The issue of sea time for beneficiaries of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program NSDP is enjoying deserved attention as the backlog is being cleared
At the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron ,in a historic first, the NIMASA Director-General Dayo Mobereola personally attended the Academy’s graduation ceremony, becoming the first NIMASA chief executive to do so.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of MAN, Dr. Okonia, commended the NIMASA management for its sustained support for maritime education and seafarer development, noting that the Agency’s interventions have continued to strengthen the training pipeline for Nigerian seafarers and improve the quality of maritime manpower available to the industry.
Labour Harmony and Stakeholder Confidence
NIMASA’s performance in 2025 also attracted strong commendation from maritime labour unions, particularly the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
The President-General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu, praised the Agency for its constructive engagement with maritime labour, improved regulatory oversight, and commitment to policies that promote workers’ welfare, industry stability, and indigenous participation.
Comrade Bunu recently commended Dr. Mobereola for facilitating the successful unionization and signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between MWUN and some shipping companies operating in Nigeria. The agreement established clear working conditions for union members and was widely seen as a milestone in promoting industrial harmony.
The MWUN President-General described Dr. Mobereola as “one DG ever produced by NIMASA who is thorough, proactive, disciplined, and deeply knowledgeable in maritime administration,” noting that these qualities were instrumental in achieving the agreement.
Beyond the CBA, MWUN also lauded NIMASA’s role in combating piracy in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea, improvements that have enhanced safety and boosted investor confidence.
 The union further pledged its full support for Nigeria’s IMO Council engagement and participated in initiatives to improve seafarers’ welfare, including the launch of a reviewed minimum wage framework.
In terms of the cabotage vessel financing fund , the NIMASA management under the supervision of the Honorable Minister of marine and blue economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola have successfully cracked a major bottleneck hindering the disbursement of the funds and 2026 is looking very promising.
Staff Welfare and Institutional Strengthening
Internally, the management of NIMASA recorded significant progress in staff welfare and motivation.
Promotions, structured training programmes, and targeted capacity-building initiatives were implemented to enhance career growth, professionalism, and institutional efficiency.
These measures contributed to improved morale and strengthened the Agency’s ability to deliver on its statutory mandate.
Positioned for a Stronger 2026
As 2025 draws to a close, NIMASA’s achievements under Dr. Mobereola’s leadership reflect a year of renewed credibility, strengthened partnerships, and measurable progress for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
 The Agency’s alignment with the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda and its growing international recognition position it strongly for even greater impact in the years ahead.
With sustained reforms, robust stakeholder collaboration, and proactive global engagement, NIMASA enters 2026 well-positioned to consolidate gains and further advance Nigeria’s standing as a leading maritime nation.
DG’s Message of Renewed Hope
In a New Year message to stakeholders, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed sincere appreciation for the cooperation, partnership, and steadfast support received throughout the past year.
He noted that stakeholders’ contributions were instrumental to the progress recorded across Nigeria’s maritime sector and expressed optimism for even stronger collaboration in the year ahead.
According to him, 2025 was a momentous year for Nigeria’s maritime industry, marked by significant achievements and renewed international confidence.
“As we look forward to 2026, it is our firm resolve to consolidate on these gains and deliver even greater outcomes for the sector and the nation at large,” he said.
Expressing confidence in collective effort, Dr. Mobereola added, “I am confident that, working together, we will make this possible.”
He concluded by wishing stakeholders and their loved ones a peaceful, productive, and fulfilling Year 2026.
Osagie Edward is Head Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

Tinubu swears in new IGP, Tunde Disu on Wednesday as Police council endorses his appointment

Funso OLOJO,  Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 swear- in the new Inspector – General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu following the endorsement of his appointment by the Nigeria Police Council.
According to the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the  ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, scheduled for the same day.
The Council’s meeting, which took place at the State House, was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in accordance with the constitution.
Others in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and the head of service, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack.
The President appointed Disu as the new police chief, following the resignation of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke glowingly about the Acting Inspector-General of Police, commended Disu for his exemplary services as a policeman, especially when he served as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State between 2015 and 2021, where his tenure earned him and the RRS recognition for excellence in crime control.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, commended the President’s appointment of Disu, noting that it was based on his excellent career record.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, also lauded Disu for his professionalism.
Disu served in Wike’s home state of Rivers as Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, and Officer-in-charge, anti-kidnapping unit, between 2014 and 2015.
He later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command when Wike became the minister.
Wike commended him for his efficiency as a crime fighter and for ensuring the command’s strategic impact in addressing security concerns within the territory.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment.
Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State and joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent.
He rose through the ranks with multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship-credentials that reflect his commitment to knowledge-driven, modern policing.
The Acting Inspector-General has held critical operational, investigative, and strategic command positions nationwide.
His last position was as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex, Lagos.
Continue Reading

Headlines

Maersk’s suspension of shipping operations through Strait of Hormuz raises anxiety among Nigerian importers 

Attack on vessel in the Strait of Hormuz
Funso OLOJO, with agency report
The on- going hostilies in the Middle East have continued to stifle international trade as most of the shipping companies have suspended voyage through the troubled Strait of Hormuz.
The joint attacks by the military forces of the United States of America (USA) and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in the assassination of its Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei and over 40 top military officers of the Islamic country,have put a strain on shipping operations along the busy vessel route of Strait of Hormuz as the Houthis militias, who are sympathetic to Iran, have threatened to attack vessels on the route.
Strait of Hormuz accounts for one third of the world shipping passage while the route accommodates the world largest crude tankers , despite its narrow width.
As a result of the threats, which have raised safety concerns on the vessels, cargos and crews, major shipping lines have halted their operations along the route.
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has halted passage of cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for “safety” reasons.

“We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” the Danish group said in an online advisory.“The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority,” it said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier announced the Strait’s closure.

Major Middle Eastern oil and gas exporters rely on it to move supplies to international markets while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation.
China, one of the biggest destinations of Nigerian importers, make use of the route for import of the crude oil from the Middle East, especially Iran and export of its manufactured goods to the developing countries, especially Nigeria.
This development has raised anxiety among Nigerian importers who expressed concerns over the implications of the disruption on the route one the cost of imports, especially from China.
Continue Reading

Headlines

NRC hosts Rotary Club on mobile train

Gloria Odion, Reporter 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has played host to the Rotary Club of Ota by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Rotary fellowship on a moving train, setting a remarkable benchmark for innovation in civic and humanitarian engagement.
The groundbreaking event brought together members of the club aboard a moving train for fellowship, leadership interaction, and strategic discussion centered on service to humanity, climate action, and sustainable community development.
The fellowship was led by the President of the Rotary Club of Ota, Mr. Charles Umukoro, alongside members of the club’s executive and general membership.
A major highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Railway District Manager, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji, who warmly welcomed the Rotarians on board.
His presence underscored the significance of the event and further strengthened the cordial relationship between the railway management and the Rotary Club.
In a symbolic moment reflecting shared values of service and partnership, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji was formally inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ota following his welcome address, adding prestige and deeper institutional collaboration to the landmark fellowship.
The moving-train fellowship was widely described as symbolic of progress, innovation, and forward movement—values that align closely with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation said it was committed to supporting initiatives that promote national development, environmental sustainability, and community advancement, while showcasing the railway as a safe, modern, and strategic platform for engagement.
Continue Reading

Trending