As NIMASA Embrace New Administrative Reforms

R-L: The Executive Director Admin and Finance NIMASA, Mr. Chudi Offodile, Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr. Jibril Abba, the DG NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and the Executive Director Operations of NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi, during the handover ceremony at the Agency’s Headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, could not be said to have hit the ground running at NIMASA, instead, the DG assumed duty to study, look at files and documents, receive briefings from management/departmental heads while reviewing videos and absorbing panoramic views of the local and international scenes of the maritime sector.

Under the circumstances, stakeholders agree that the observatory perspective adopted by Dr. Dayo Mobereola as an administrator is the best option in order to take informed decisions that could have spiral effects.

So far, there has been quiet, well informed internal deployments and redeployments within NIMASA under the present Director General for optimal and very efficient results within the Agency.

Externally, the DG and his management team is engaging with stakeholders in the industry to feel their pulse, know what the issues and challenges are in a bid to actualize the Presidential vision in creating the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Already,  the DG has met with Ship owners, terminal operators, Master Mariners, Maritime Lawyers, the Navy and other critical stakeholders.

Speaking during one of the interactive sessions, the DG said “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” Mobereola said.

The Director General also reassured shipowners that NIMASA is committed to automation of the ship registry to boost shipping development in Nigeria by enhancing efficiency and streamlining processes.

Flanked by his Executive Directors during engagement with stakeholders, the DG could be seen taking notes as he listened with rapt attention to all submissions made.

Captain Iheanacho is an eminent figure in Nigeria’s maritime industry. As a ship owner, tank farm operator and  former Minister of Interior, his views are often sought on issues based on his vast maritime experiences.

Endorsing Mobereola’s appointment as NIMASA’s helmsman, Iheanacho is optimistic  that under the current leadership of the Agency, Nigeria would make significant strides in promoting ship safety, shipping development, maritime security and environmental sustainability in Nigerian waters.

His words “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 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.

Dr. Emeka Akabogu is a maritime lawyer and advocate. Making a presentation titled  Marine and Blue Economy-Navigating to the promised Land,  Akabogu proposed various reforms for  enhanced data and technology utilization, 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.

Akabogu stressed the need for routine meetings based on clear identifiable milestones to drive accountability and progress for the sector.

Former Directors General of NIMASA such as Dr. Ade Dosunmu, Architect Ferdinand Agu, Barrister Temisan Omatseye; as well as former Board Chairman of NIMASA, Mr. Tijjani Ramalan, all pledged to support Dr. Dayo Mobereola to succeed even as Comrade Adewale Adeyanju,  President General, Maritime Workers Union (MWUN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, President, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) and various groups offered to support to NIMASA for the good of the industry.

As the Helmsman and team leader at NIMASA, the Burden of Choices and Decisions are on Dr. Dayo Mobereola to make.

With the array of varied assistance offered by stakeholders, considering the quality of men and women around him with their in-depth knowledge and experiences traversing various administrations/leaderships, Dr. Mobereola has himself to blame if he does not achieve the renewed hope agenda as promised.