Two years ago, the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) set sail on a journey to rebuild confidence in the nation’s waterways and reposition the maritime industry for global relevance. What began as a challenging voyage through turbulent currents of insecurity, inefficiency, and institutional scepticism is now charting a course defined by reform, digital innovation, and renewed investor trust.
Under the leadership of Dr. Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA has evolved from a bureaucratic regulator into a dynamic force shaping the future of Nigeria’s blue economy. His administration’s vision was clear — to secure Nigeria’s waters, strengthen indigenous shipping, and harness technology to improve efficiency and transparency across all maritime operations.
Perhaps the most striking achievement over the past two years has been the virtual eradication of piracy on Nigerian waters. For nearly two years, not a single piracy incident has been recorded — a milestone credited to the success of the Deep Blue Project, a multi-agency security initiative that combines naval, aerial, and intelligence operations. The calm on the Gulf of Guinea has not only restored confidence among shipping companies but also helped reduce the financial haemorrhage caused by high-risk insurance premiums.
Complementing the security gains has been a push toward digital transformation. NIMASA’s introduction of the Maritime Enhanced Monitoring System (MEMS) now allows real-time tracking of vessels, electronic invoicing, and better revenue monitoring. The agency’s online verification portal for seafarer certifications has also closed loopholes exploited by document forgers and improved Nigeria’s credibility within the global maritime labour market.
This digital push earned NIMASA national recognition as the “Best Federal Agency in Digital Transformation” by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR). The BPSR also rated the agency at 74 percent in governance performance — a mark of improved accountability and service delivery within the federal public service ecosystem.
Financially, NIMASA’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Between 2023 and 2024, the agency’s internally generated revenue reportedly more than doubled — rising from ₦700.79 billion to an impressive ₦1.39 trillion. This surge, officials say, was driven by tighter digital monitoring, automation of payments, and reduced leakages across key revenue streams.
Equally significant has been NIMASA’s focus on human capital development. In the last two years, over 2,600 Nigerian seafarers have received professional training at international maritime academies in countries like the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Egypt, and Malaysia. More than 400 cadets have also completed their mandatory sea-time experience aboard foreign vessels — a key step in boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in global shipping labour.
On the domestic front, the safety agency has made strides in strengthening indigenous capacity through the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). The acquisition of one of Africa’s largest modular floating docks has reduced the reliance on foreign shipyards, allowing Nigerian operators to repair and maintain their vessels locally. This single project is expected to save millions of dollars annually in foreign exchange.
Environmental safety and marine protection have also been a focus. Through initiatives like “Operation Sting Ray,” NIMASA has intensified the enforcement of safety regulations on barges, tugboats, and passenger vessels, while expanding marine patrols to combat pollution and illegal waste dumping. These measures, the agency insists, are not only about compliance but about preserving Nigeria’s fragile marine ecosystem for future generations.
Yet, the voyage has not been without rough waves. Concerns have surfaced regarding a proposed 15-year concession plan that could see up to 13.5 percent of NIMASA’s revenue handed to a private operator. Staff unions fear the move could erode transparency and weaken the agency’s financial independence. Dr. Jamoh, however, has maintained that all concession plans remain under review and would only proceed with full stakeholder alignment.
Another challenge lies in perception. Despite zero piracy incidents, international insurance firms have been slow to adjust the “war risk” status on Nigerian waters, keeping premiums artificially high. The agency continues to engage global insurers and maritime bodies to bridge this perception gap and reflect Nigeria’s true security record.
Critics have also pointed to delays in remitting statutory funds to the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), an obligation mandated under the NSIB Act. NIMASA officials acknowledge the issue but attribute it to administrative harmonization, promising a resolution as part of wider fiscal reforms.
Despite these hurdles, NIMASA’s reputation at home and abroad continues to rise. It has received accolades for corporate governance, tax compliance, and its contributions to maritime safety and environmental sustainability. The agency’s deep collaboration with the Navy and Air Force has been praised internationally as a model for inter-agency cooperation in maritime security.
As NIMASA looks ahead to its next phase, the agency’s focus remains anchored on consolidation — expanding digital systems, increasing ship repair capacity, and promoting indigenous shipping under the Cabotage Act. Its 2025 budget of ₦774.77 billion reflects a strategic shift toward modernization and performance-based investment.
In just two years, NIMASA has transformed from a reactive regulator into a proactive architect of Nigeria’s maritime future. The waves of reform it has stirred are reshaping the nation’s economic seascape, signalling that with vision, technology, and integrity, Nigeria’s maritime industry can indeed steer its own ship toward global excellence.