By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has expressed determination to consolidate on its 2025 gains to enhance Nigeria’s enviable status in global maritime governance in 2026.
NIMASA Head Public Relations, Osagie Edward, stated this in a statement posted on the agency’s website on Tuesday.
The agency stated that under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, it earned commendations from the Presidency, maritime institutions, labour unions, and a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders.
It said throughout the year under review, NIMASA, operating under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, sustained a reform-driven agenda focused on maritime safety and security, capacity development, regulatory efficiency, labour harmony, and international engagement.
“These deliberate efforts culminated in one of Nigeria’s most significant maritime milestones in recent history — the country’s successful return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence,” the agency said.
NIMASA particularly mentioned the Presidential commendation and global recognition, landmark IMO Council victory, hosting the IMO Secretary-General, sustaining zero piracy in Nigerian waters, Labour harmony and stakeholder confidence, and Staff welfare and institutional strengthening, as some of its milestone achievements in 2025.
Emphasising that the agency is positioned for a stronger 2026, the statement noted that NIMASA’s achievements under Dr. Mobereola’s leadership reflect a year of renewed credibility, strengthened partnerships, and measurable progress for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“The Agency’s alignment with the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda and its growing international recognition position it strongly for even greater impact in the years ahead.
“With sustained reforms, robust stakeholder collaboration, and proactive global engagement, NIMASA enters 2026 well-positioned to consolidate gains and further advance Nigeria’s standing as a leading maritime nation,” the statement read.
Mobereola, in his new year message to stakeholders expressed appreciation for the cooperation, partnership, and steadfast support received throughout the past year.
He noted that stakeholders’ contributions were instrumental to the progress recorded across Nigeria’s maritime sector and expressed optimism for even stronger collaboration in the year ahead.
“As we look forward to 2026, it is our firm resolve to consolidate on these gains and deliver even greater outcomes for the sector and the nation at large,” he stated.
