The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to stronger collaboration with maritime journalists, describing the media as a critical partner in promoting transparency, accountability and the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, stated this in a goodwill message delivered by the Agency’s Public Relations (AD-PR), Assistant Director, Mrs Obiageli Chuma-Ugbo, at the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists conference in Lagos. He commended the association for bringing maritime journalists under a common professional platform, noting that the initiative would strengthen collaboration, responsible reporting and engagement with industry stakeholders.
Mobereola appreciated journalists for their consistent support in projecting NIMASA’s activities and achievements, describing the media as an indispensable link between the Agency and the public. He said accurate reporting and professional analysis remained essential to improving public understanding of the maritime sector and ensuring accountability in industry operations.
He said NIMASA recognised that effective maritime administration required more than regulatory enforcement and operational efficiency, stressing the importance of transparency, stakeholder engagement and strategic communication. He assured journalists of the Agency’s commitment to providing timely and credible information, maintaining regular engagement and incorporating constructive feedback to improve service delivery.
The NIMASA chief identified the removal of the Conditions of Entry previously imposed by the United States Coast Guard on Nigerian bound vessels as a major achievement, describing it as international recognition of Nigeria’s progress in maritime security, regulatory compliance and alignment with global standards.
He also highlighted the Agency’s partnership with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), through a Memorandum of Understanding described by the federation as the first of its kind in Africa. According to him, the agreement reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to protecting Nigerian seafarers’ rights, welfare, working conditions and professional development.
On maritime security, Mobereola said the Agency would sustain the gains recorded through the Deep Blue Project and collaboration with national and international security agencies. He noted that Nigeria’s record of four consecutive years without reported piracy incidents in its territorial waters reflected significant progress in protecting the country’s maritime domain.
He added that NIMASA was pursuing institutional reforms, including the automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry to modernise vessel registration and improve the ease of doing maritime business. He said the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme was also designed to promote innovation, support emerging entrepreneurs and create opportunities for young Nigerians, reaffirming the Agency’s determination to build an efficient, modern and globally competitive maritime sector.