From left: Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi; Executive Director Finance and Administration of NIMASA; Mr. Chudi Offodile, the Director General of NIMASA Dr Dayo Mobereola; Former Minister of Interior/CEO Integrated  Oil and Gas Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho; and Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services Mr. Jibril Abba, during the maiden interactive session of maritime stakeholders with DG/CEO NIMASA in Lagos.

Nigeria’s maritime stakeholders converged in Lagos, Thursday last week during a stakeholders’ interactive session with the newly appointed Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA Dr Dayo Mobereola and his entire management team, to request for a sustainable development of the sector.

Meanwhile, the new DG has assured the stakeholders of inclusivity in the running of the affairs of the agency, saying that President Tinubu through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy urges the maritime stakeholders to partner the agency in its zeal to ensure a sustainable development of the sector.

Chairman of the occasion and Managing Director/CEO of the country’s foremost indigenous shipping line, Genesis Worldwide Shipping, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, who delivered a welcome address, expressed the industry’s delight at the appointment of Mobereola, whom he described as a seasoned and accomplished maritime professional.

He noted that Mobereola’s extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable in driving the administration and development of the Nigerian maritime industry forward.

He expressed optimism that under the current leadership of the Agency, Nigeria would make significant strides in promoting ship safety, shipping development, maritime security, and environmental sustainability on Nigeria’s waters.

The Master Mariner also noted that Mobereola’s dedication to capacity building will undoubtedly position Nigeria as a key player in the global maritime industry. He added that stakeholders are willing to collaborate with the DG to move the sector forward.

“We expect the DG to be fully aware of the impact of technological developments in the Marine and Blue Economy industry, to guide in the formulation of policies to be developed. We look forward to working together with you to address the challenges ahead and to seize the opportunities that lie before us”, Iheanacho said.

Captain Iheanacho, who is also a former Minister of Interior, acknowledged the hard work, resilience and determination of past Directors-General and other stakeholders who were present, noting that their commitments contributed to the robust framework from which the Agency and the maritime industry at large are benefiting.

In his presentation entitled: “Marine and Blue Economy: Navigating to the Promised Land”, Dr Akabogu, a maritime lawyer, proposed various reforms including policy and agenda verification, enhanced data and technology utilisation, minimum industry standards, deliberate recruitment of professionals, empowerment protocols, development of standard shipping development courses, and accountability measures for NIMASA and the industry as a whole. He emphasized the need for routine meetings based on clear identifiable milestones to drive accountability and progress for the sector.

On her part, Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria STOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup emphasised the critical importance of dockworkers in the industry. She said: “Where there are no dockworkers, there are no ships.” She therefore made a strong case for the training of dockworkers, which she argued, is very crucial.

President- General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, who supported Haastrup’s position, emphasised the importance of continually training dockworkers and ensuring a decent work agenda, in line with the Maritime Labour Convention MLC 2006.

President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Alhaji Aminu Umar, who spoke on behalf of the Ship Owners’ Association of Nigeria, emphasised the need for further discussions and interactions regarding the International advancements in the maritime industry. He urged the Director-General to consider the independence of the Ship Registry as observed in other maritime countries.

The various women’s associations in the industry; WISTA, WIMOWCA, WILAT, who were represented by Mrs. Tosan Emore-Edodo advocated for increased participation of women in the industry and called for support in promoting advocacy efforts.

Dr Mobereola, while reacting to the various speeches of the stakeholders, assured that the management under his watch would run an all-inclusive system geared towards the development of the sector.

The NIMASA DG noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is urging stakeholders to partner with the Government in developing the sector.

According to him: “It is important that we develop clear objectives, goals, and strategies to advance the industry and align with the vision of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. While the Agency will continue to play its part in serving the industry, it is important that we all collaborate to achieve a sustainable maritime sector, as all efforts should be inclusive and collective.”

Additionally, the Director General seized the opportunity to reassure shipowners that the Agency is committed to expediting the automation of the ship registry, a move that will significantly boost shipping development in Nigeria by enhancing efficiency and streamlining processes.

The event was graced by past Directors General of NIMASA who include Dr Ade Dosunmu, Architect Ferdinand Agu, Barrister Temisan Omatseye; as well as former Board Chairman of NIMASA, Mr. Tijjani Ramalan, who all pledged their support for the current administration.

The Flag Officer Commanding FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, was also present at the event, which also had representations from the Nigerian Maritime Law Association NMLA, Association of Master Mariners, Ship Building and Ship Repair Association, among others.