NIMASA Engages Maritime Journalists to Boost Sector Development

NIMASA Engages Maritime Journalists to Boost Sector Development

Lagos, Nigeria— In a bid to address the challenges impeding the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector and foster a more synergistic relationship with the media, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) recently hosted an interactive session with maritime journalists. The event, which took place at NIMASA's headquarters, featured key discussions aimed at aligning the agency's activities with global standards and addressing regulatory concerns within the industry.

The session was chaired by NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who was accompanied by top executives, including Chidi Ofordile, Executive Director of Finance; Fatai Taye Adeyemi, Executive Director of Operations; and Jibril Abba, Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services. In his opening remarks, Dr. Mobereola emphasized the critical role of maritime journalists as partners in the sector’s development, underscoring the importance of media involvement in shaping public perception and policy within the industry.

Throughout the session, prominent maritime journalists such as Hope Orivri, Timothy Okorocha, Eugene Agha, Asu Beks, Dr. Ovie Edomi, Eddie Iroha, Funsho Olojo, Ismail Aniemu, and Ezinne Chinwe Azunna raised pertinent issues ranging from regulatory overlaps to maritime diplomacy. These discussions highlighted the pressing need for clarity and collaboration among the various stakeholders in Nigeria's maritime sector.

One of the key topics addressed was the ongoing issue of vessels involved in illegal activities within Nigerian waters. Dr. Mobereola assured journalists that NIMASA is intensifying efforts to ensure all vessels are properly registered to facilitate the identification and prosecution of illicit operations. He acknowledged the challenges posed by overlapping functions between NIMASA, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), suggesting that journalists are uniquely positioned to clarify these issues for the public, as agency representatives may be perceived as biased.

Another significant point of discussion was the unused floating modular dock, which has been a subject of concern within the maritime community. Dr. Mobereola revealed that his team had recently inspected the facility and is taking steps to operationalize it. This move, he noted, is expected to boost employment and generate revenue, addressing long-standing concerns about the dock's potential impact on the sector.

On the topic of the Cabotage Vehicle Finance Fund (CVFF), Dr. Mobereola highlighted past challenges with disbursements and emphasized that future distributions would be more strategically aligned with the long-term development of the maritime sector. He stressed the importance of the CVFF in facilitating vessel acquisition and ensuring adequate cargo demand, both of which are crucial for the profitability and sustainability of Nigeria's maritime operations.

Addressing concerns about seafarer training, Dr. Mobereola assured the journalists that NIMASA is committed to securing high-quality training opportunities abroad for Nigerian seafarers. He pointed to the substantial foreign remittances by seafarers from other countries as a benchmark for the agency's goals. Additionally, he mentioned an ongoing review of the NIMASA Act of 2017, aimed at aligning it with current international standards to better serve the industry's needs.

Data availability was another critical issue raised during the session. Dr. Mobereola recognized the importance of accessible information for research and benchmarking against global maritime economies. He pledged to improve data transparency and availability, which would enable better analysis and decision-making within the sector.

The Director-General also addressed the issue of NIMASA’s engagement with coastal states, acknowledging the need for a more inclusive approach. He assured the journalists that all relevant states would be involved as he continues to settle into his role, aiming for a more collaborative relationship between the agency and regional stakeholders.

In response to questions about transparency in recruitment and contract processes, Dr. Mobereola admitted that there is room for improvement but asked for patience as he acclimates to his new role. He also touched on the issue of war risk insurance premiums, attributing them to the influence of an international cartel and vowing to raise the matter with the United Nations.

Finally, Dr. Mobereola expressed his reservations about reviving a national carrier, instead advocating for a focus on aligning Nigeria’s maritime operations with international standards and ensuring compliance with relevant certifications. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation with journalists, with the goal of fostering a more synergistic relationship between NIMASA and the media.

The interactive session concluded with a renewed commitment from both NIMASA and the maritime journalists to work together in advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector. Dr. Mobereola’s candid responses and the open dialogue underscored the agency’s dedication to transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement in the industry.