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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)
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FG reiterates commitment to efficient trade facilitation at ports as it unveils National single window platform 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Federal Government on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, has expressed its commitment to fast, efficient and seamless cargo clearance process at the ports with the unveiling the National single window platform.
Speaking at a media briefing, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the launch as a major milestone under the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that previous attempts at implementing a single window system had not succeeded.
He said the initiative represents a shift from fragmented and inefficient trade processes to a more coordinated and technology-driven system.
According to him, the platform is designed to reduce the time and cost associated with import and export transactions, while improving transparency and overall efficiency in the system.
“This is a defining moment,” Edun said. “We are moving from complexity to clarity, from fragmentation to coordination, and from delay to efficiency.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the National Single Window would allow traders to submit all required documentation through a single portal, eliminating the need to deal with multiple government agencies.
She noted that the new system would simplify trade procedures, reduce duplication of documentation, and enhance investor confidence.
“In simple terms, it is one portal, one submission, one coordinated process,” she said, adding that the reform would position Nigeria more competitively in regional and global trade.
Providing details on implementation, the National Single Window Coordinator, Tola Fakolade, said the platform would go live on March 27, 2026.
He explained that the first phase of the rollout would cover the processing of import licences, permits, and certificates for key regulatory agencies, including NAFDAC and SON, through the single platform.
Fakolade added that a pilot phase for cargo manifest submissions would commence with selected shipping lines and air cargo operators, with full integration expected by May 1, 2026.
He further disclosed that the system incorporates a risk management framework that enables regulatory agencies to assess importers based on compliance history, a move expected to reduce physical inspections and speed up cargo clearance for compliant traders.
In addition, all payments related to import processes under the platform would be handled digitally, further enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Edun, however, stressed that the success of the initiative would depend not only on the digital platform but also on improvements in physical infrastructure, particularly at the nation’s ports.
He noted that ongoing efforts to modernise major ports were critical to addressing congestion and ensuring that the benefits of the reform are fully realised.
“A digital platform alone does not move goods,” he said, warning that inefficiencies in port operations could undermine expected gains.
The government said the National Single Window forms part of a broader strategy to achieve sustainable economic growth, with a medium-term target of seven per cent annually, driven in part by improved trade facilitation.
Chairman of the National Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, commended the collaboration among government agencies and private sector stakeholders that made the project possible.
Stakeholders at the briefing were urged to adopt the platform and work collectively to ensure its success, as officials disclosed plans to expand the system to cover export processes and integrate more agencies in subsequent phases.
The National Single Window is expected to significantly reduce trade delays, lower transaction costs, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
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Shipping coys comply with directive of Shippers’ Council on controversial tariff hike, revert to status quo 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Despite the intransigence of the irate freight forwarders to shealth their swords over the tariff hike after the intervention of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Shipping companies operating in Nigeria may have commenced the process of compliance with the order of the regulatory agency to stop the implementation of the disputed tariff increase.
It would be recalled that the NSC has approved an upward review in shipping charges based on what it said was predicated on the exigency of time.
However, the tariff hike was resisted by the freight forwarders who shut down the operations of the shipping companies by picketing their offices.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council later waded into the crisis by directing the shipping companies, especially the MSC, to immediately suspend the implementation of the tariff hike.
In its terse statement on March 20th, 2026, the regulatory agency said the suspension of the controversial tariff increase became necessary in order to conclude engagement with relevant stakeholders and in response to substantive concerns raised regarding the timing, structure, and potential impact of the said tariffs on port users and the wider logistics value chain.
In deference to the order of the Council, the MSC, one of the shipping companies in the country, has said it has complied with the directive, saying it has reverted to the old tariff structure.
In the memo which the management of the shipping company sent to all its customers, it said the decision to maintain the status quo was in line with the directive of the NSC.
“We wish to inform our esteemed customers that the recently implemented tariff adjustment has been temporarily suspended, following a directive from the Nigerian Shippers council NSC.
“This suspension is pending the conclusion of ongoing engagements and resolution with the regulator.
“Accordingly,the tariff regime applicable prior to the recent increase will remain in force until further notice, as mandated.
“We remain fully committed to regulatory compliance,transparency, and protecting the interests of our customers.
“Further updates will be communicated promptly once a definitive position is issued by the Nigerian Shippers council.
“We appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation” the MSC management declared in a terse statement.
However, concerned industry stakeholders have expressed dismay over what they described as the intransigence of the irate freight forwarders who were said to have persisted in what was regarded as their disruptive activities of shipping operations despite the intervention of the NSC and the compliance of the shipping companies to the directive of the regulatory agency.
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Alma Mater honours Mobereola for his mentorship role on younger generation 

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has been honoured with an Award of Recognition by his alma mater, St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan in appreciation of his impactful mentorship and commitment to the development of younger generations.

The recognition was conferred during the school’s 64th Founders’ Day celebration held in Ibadan, where the DG joined other alumni and stakeholders to celebrate the institution’s enduring legacy of excellence.

Commenting on the award, Dr. Mobereola expressed profound appreciation to the school’s management and the Old Boys’ Association for the honour, noting that the recognition holds deep personal significance.

He reflected on his formative years at the school saying “attending the 64th Founders’ Day of St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan, brought back a flood of nostalgic memories.

“Fifty years after walking through those gates where many of my formative years were shaped, I remain deeply grateful for the friendships, guidance from teachers, and the bond of classmates.

” I also wish to sincerely appreciate the Old Boys’ Association for the recognition accorded me this year. I do not take this honour for granted” the DG said.
He reiterated his commitment to mentoring younger people, saying “I remain committed to serving as a role model to the younger generation and to mentoring young men as they navigate their own paths.”

He further encouraged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and positive role models in achieving success.

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