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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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NIMASA deepens maritime security as 492 Deep Blue personnel graduate in tactical training.

Funso OLOJO, Port Harcourt.
The Nigeria’s maritime security received a massive boost as 492 personnel of the iconic Deep Blue project have graduated from tactical trainings received across some of the best security institutions in the world.
Unveiling the graduants in their tactical attires at the Elele military barrack, Port Harcourt, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Administration( NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the occasion gave the agency a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment on its task to ensure Nigeria’s maritime domain is secured.
According to him, the 492 graduating Deep Blue personnel undergone specialized trainings conducted across several strategic training locations across the world, including Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Syria and
Nigeria.
He disclosed that the training has therefore exposed the personnel, taken from across different units of the Deep Blue project, to global best practices and international operational standards in maritime security operations.
“Today’s event is a demonstration of
operational readiness, institutional resilience and Nigeria’s determination to maintain a safe, secure and economically viable maritime environment.
“With many people are not fully aware of the level of operations and integration and technological capacity that supports these achievements.
“The Deep Blue architecture integrates two special mission aircraft equipped with advanced maritime surveillance sensors, three special mission helicopters for over-the-sea operations and surveillance, two special mission vessels for deep sea operations, eight unmanned aerial vehicles for real-time intelligence gathering, 16 fast interception boats for rapid tactical response and 15 armed coastal patrol vessels.
” The Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence Center, the C4I, serves as
the central coordination hub for military domain awareness and operational response.
“As many of you may recall, the Gulf of Guinea was once regarded as one of the most challenging military
maritime regions in the world due to incidents of piracy and robbery.
“Today, through the Deep Blue project and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we are proud to say that Nigeria has
transformed the narrative which has resulted in zero piracy incidents since 2022.
“This has restored trust among global shipping operators, investors, and maritime stakeholders.
Mobereola expressed appreciation the Minister of Marine and Blue
Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, for what he described as his exemplary leadership, strategic guidance, and steadfast commitment to promoting maritime security initiatives in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the role the  Minister of Defense, General
Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo
Matawale for their continued support and commitment towards strengthening national security and enhancing interagency cooperation in the maritime domain.
Mobereola commended  the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Army, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, (DSS) and all security and intelligence agencies whose professionalism and
cooperation continue to strengthen the operational success of the Deep Blue project.
Hee made special mention of Deep Blue project technical partner HLSI, Security Systems Technologies Limited, for their invaluable support, technical expertise, commitment to capacity development, and strategic partnership in the implementation and sustainability of the Deep Blue project.
NIMASA DG also congratulated the graduating personnel  for successfully completing the important steps of their professional journey.
“This strength you have received comes with enormous responsibility as you are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and the discharge of your duties.
Tge event was by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,  the  Minister of Defense, General
Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo
Matawale, high military personnel from Navy, Army and Sir force.
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WHO honors NFVCB over tobacco control in entertainment industry

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has been honoured with the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General’s Special Award, African Region, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for its outstanding contributions to tobacco control advocacy and the promotion of responsible media content in Nigeria.
 The NFVCB is the only institution among the five-person African Region winners unveiled as part of the activities commemorating World No Tobacco Day.
This recognition by the DG of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledges the Board’s leadership in regulating the depiction and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products in Nigerian films, music videos, skits, and other audiovisual content, particularly those accessible to young audiences.
 The WHO Director-General’s Awards are presented annually ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31 to honour individuals and organizations across WHO’s six regions for exceptional work in advancing the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
NFVCB was recognized for its landmark 2024 regulations prohibiting the promotion, and glamourization of tobacco and nicotine products in entertainment content.
The regulations require that any necessary depiction of tobacco use in films and videos must carry health warnings, receive the highest classification rating, and be restricted to audiences aged 18 years and above.
The regulations also mandate producers to place a disclaimer and disclose any relationship with the tobacco and nicotine industry while prohibiting tobacco brand display and product placement in entertainment content.
The policy aligns with the implementation guidelines of Article 13 of the WHO FCTC on tobacco depiction in entertainment media.
With the introduction of the regulations, Nigeria became the first country in Africa and only the second globally to establish such comprehensive safeguards against the glamorization of tobacco use on screen.
Research and WHO guidance have consistently shown that the portrayal of tobacco use in entertainment media normalizes smoking behaviour and increases the likelihood of tobacco uptake among young people.
Through clear regulatory standards, the Board is helping to reduce exposure to pro-tobacco imagery while promoting socially responsible storytelling within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The recognition also aligns with the 8-Point Agenda of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, aimed at strengthening policy frameworks, promoting responsible creative content, preserving cultural values, and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s creative capital by 2030.
Speaking on the recognition, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr.Shaibu Husseini, described the award as a validation of the Board’s efforts toward promoting responsible storytelling and safeguarding public interest through effective content regulation.
“This award is a validation of the work we have done with the Nigerian creative industry to promote responsible storytelling.
“The goal has never been to censor art, but to ensure that our films do not inadvertently market products that are harmful to public health,” he stated.
 Dr. Husseini reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy societal values, protect children and vulnerable audiences, and strengthen the positive influence of Nigeria’s entertainment industry globally.
The ED also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, filmmakers, producers, and advocacy partners, especially Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), for their collaboration in advancing the policy.
The Board stated that it would continue to strengthen enforcement of the regulations, expand public education and stakeholder engagement, and deepen collaboration with WHO, the WHO FCTC Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders in promoting responsible entertainment content and public health protection.
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Business

Taiwo Afolabi calls on African businesses to scale up their operations for global relevance

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, has called on African entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to prioritise the growth of large, sustainable corporations capable of competing globally, rather than operating fragmented and small-scale enterprises that limit the continent’s economic potential.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, Afolabi said Africa’s economic transformation would depend significantly on the emergence of strong indigenous corporations with the scale, structure, and capacity to drive industrialisation, create jobs, attract investment, and compete internationally.
According to him, discussions at this year’s forum reinforced the urgent need for African businesses to embrace collaboration, long-term thinking, regional integration, and strategic expansion.
He said: “Africa cannot achieve its full economic potential with thousands of weak and fragmented businesses operating in silos.
“What the continent needs are strong institutions and large corporations that can survive beyond their founders, scale across borders, attract global capital, and compete with the best companies around the world.”
Afolabi noted that while entrepreneurship remains critical to Africa’s growth story, the continent must deliberately move beyond subsistence and lifestyle businesses towards building enduring enterprises with robust governance systems, innovation capacity, and continental reach.
He stressed that African governments, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders must create enabling environments that support business scalability through improved infrastructure, access to finance, favourable regulations, and intra-African trade.
“The conversations at the Africa CEO Forum clearly showed that Africa’s future lies in integration and scale.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a historic opportunity for businesses to expand beyond national borders and build truly pan-African enterprises,” he added.
Afolabi noted that SIFAX Group’s long-term vision is anchored on strengthening intra-African trade and supporting the successful implementation of AfCFTA through investments in logistics, ports, transportation, and digital finance solutions across Africa.
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