When Dr. Dayo Mobereola assumed office as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in March 2024, expectations were high. With an extensive background in public sector administration, transport infrastructure, and institutional reforms, stakeholders anticipated leadership that would reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector to better support economic growth. He was the first Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and while at LAMATA, he implemented most of the public transport reforms that are today yielding lots of fruit.
More than two years into his administration, the agency has recorded progress in several key areas. The achievements recorded during this period have been driven not only by Mobereola’s administrative reforms but also by the strategic policy direction and unwavering support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola. Since the Ministry’s creation, Oyetola has provided the political leadership and international engagement necessary to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector within the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, significant challenges remain, requiring sustained reforms for Nigeria to fully harness the enormous potential of its blue economy.
The achievements recorded during this period have been driven not only by Mobereola’s administrative reforms but also by Oyetola’s strategic policy direction and unwavering support. Since the Ministry’s creation, Oyetola has provided the political leadership and international engagement necessary to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector within the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
One of the notable achievements under Mobereola’s leadership has been the continued consolidation of maritime security gains. NIMASA has maintained collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in sustaining the Deep Blue Project, which has contributed to the reduction of piracy and armed robbery in Nigerian waters.
The improved security environment has enhanced Nigeria’s reputation within the Gulf of Guinea, encouraging greater confidence among international shipping companies and insurers. The administration has adopted a more consultative approach with industry stakeholders. Shipowners, terminal operators, labour unions, maritime training institutions and government agencies have enjoyed increased engagement on policy matters. This dialogue has helped improve confidence in the agency and encouraged greater collaboration in addressing industry challenges.
In alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA has increasingly positioned itself as a strategic driver of Nigeria’s blue economy. The agency has continued to promote investment opportunities in shipping, fisheries, maritime transport, offshore services and marine environmental protection.
NIMASA has maintained support for the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme while pursuing initiatives to increase the employability of Nigerian cadets. Nevertheless, the long-standing challenge of securing mandatory sea-time training for graduates remains unresolved, limiting the country’s ability to produce internationally certified seafarers in sufficient numbers.
The agency has continued its statutory responsibilities in ship registration, flag-state and port-state inspections, marine pollution control and enforcement of international maritime conventions.
There have also been sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with International Maritime Organisation standards through improved regulatory oversight, maritime safety initiatives, and institutional reforms. These efforts culminated in Nigeria’s successful re-election to Category C of the IMO Council, a significant diplomatic and maritime achievement.
The victory reflected the combined efforts of the Federal Government, with Oyetola leading Nigeria’s diplomatic campaign and international engagements, while NIMASA, under Mobereola, provided the technical and regulatory foundation that reinforced the country’s credibility before the global maritime community. Despite these positive developments, several critical issues deserve greater focus.
There is a need to resolve the issues faced by thousands of Nigerian cadets who are unable to complete their certification due to insufficient sea-time opportunities. NIMASA should work with indigenous shipowners, international shipping companies, and the Nigerian Navy to establish structured sea-time programmes. Incentives should also be introduced for vessels that provide cadet placements.
The decline of Nigerian-owned vessels continues to limit indigenous participation in international trade. The agency should accelerate reforms that promote fleet expansion, improve access to financing, and encourage local ship ownership.
A vexed issue is the implementation of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund ((CVFF). Perhaps no issue has generated more debate in the industry than the prolonged delay in disbursing the funds.
Incidentally, the agency opened its portal a while ago for qualified indigenous shipping companies to apply for the fund. Transparent implementation of the fund would certainly significantly strengthen indigenous shipping companies and create employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.
Further digitisation of ship registration, licensing, certification, and regulatory processes would reduce bureaucracy, improve transparency, and enhance operational efficiency. Digital platforms should enable stakeholders to complete transactions seamlessly without unnecessary delays.
There is also a need for closer partnerships between NIMASA, maritime academies, and universities. This would improve curriculum relevance and align training with international standards. Investment in simulators, research facilities, and modern equipment is equally important.
Beyond training, greater attention should be paid to the welfare, insurance, medical support, and career progression of Nigerian seafarers. Implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention should remain a priority.
Climate change is increasingly influencing global shipping. NIMASA should continue to promote cleaner shipping practices, marine pollution control, ballast water management, and decarbonisation initiatives that are consistent with IMO regulations.
Although port operations involve several government agencies, NIMASA can continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other stakeholders to reduce vessel waiting times, eliminate operational bottlenecks, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness.
At the time he took over at NIMASA, Mobereola inherited an agency operating within a maritime industry facing numerous structural challenges. His administration has demonstrated a commitment to institutional stability, stakeholder engagement, maritime security, and regulatory effectiveness. Working in close alignment with Oyetola’s vision for the marine and blue economy, the agency has also helped restore confidence in Nigeria’s maritime governance. Their collaborative approach—combining ministerial policy leadership with NIMASA’s institutional execution—has strengthened Nigeria’s standing among regional and global maritime stakeholders.
However, the true measure of success will depend on translating policy into measurable outcomes—particularly in indigenous fleet development, implementation of the CVFF, employment creation for Nigerian seafarers, digital transformation, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation in Africa.
The opportunities within the blue economy are immense. With sustained reforms, stronger public-private partnerships and consistent policy implementation, NIMASA under Mobereola, working in tandem with Oyetola’s strategic leadership, has the potential to play a transformative role in unlocking these opportunities. Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council demonstrates what coordinated political leadership and effective institutional execution can achieve. Building on that momentum will be critical to expanding indigenous shipping, creating jobs, attracting investment and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading maritime nation.
Ojelabi, a developmental journalist and public commentator, writes from Lagos
