The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) must of necessity be in the news by virtue of its statutory mandate and core objectives for its establishment.

While the Agency and its staff have and should attractive commendations and awards from within and outside the shores of Nigeria, the need to stay focused and deliver more on its assigned national roles cannot be over emphasized.

From manpower needs, crewing, vessel financing, safety and security, pollution control and environmental issues, NIMASA could be termed the midfield maestro in Nigeria’s maritime aspirations.

The assertion that “Reform is the Pathway to Innovation and National Advancement” by the Director General of NIMASA Dr. Dayo Mobereola, is as reassuring as it is challenging to the Agency and its stakeholders.

From the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF, the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, NSDP, Ship Acquisition, Fleet expansion, Domestication of IMO Conventions and Compliance issues, NIMASA takes responsibility thereto on Audit Compliance as demanded by IMO.

L/R: Director, Administration and Human Resources, NIMASA, Isichei Osamgbi; Head, Reforms Coordination & Strategic Communication, NIMASA, Nonyelum Okeke-Egbuna; DG NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Director General, BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi and Director of Procurement, NIMASA, Otonye Obom during the two-day Sensitization Workshop on the Imperative of Organizational Reform in Lagos.

Expectedly, Reforms, Innovation and Advancement in line with global standards, projections and expectations must be prioritized and given the attention required.

NIMASA is blessed with very capable maritime experts many of whom are either wrongly deployed or underutilized by the Agency-many other government Agencies are unfortunately not spared this national malaise

Heads of departments/Units must therefore carry out periodic assessment/evaluations to discover and deploy staffs for optimum contributions demanded from the Agency by Nigerians.

The recognition by the  Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) for its forward-thinking approach to institutional reforms is not an invitation to partying by NIMASA but a charge for improved performance by management and staff of the Agency

The Director General of BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, said NIMASA deserves commendation for its exemplary commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, transparency and service delivery through the automation of its systems.

The BPRS Director General declared that NIMASA is one of the standout MDAs embracing transformative change while also noting that the Agency’s reform agenda,   particularly its adoption of digital technologies, sets a commendable benchmark for other government institutions.

“NIMASA is showing, in practical terms, what alignment with national reform goals should look like. Their embrace of automation is not just innovative; it is essential for modern governance,” Arabi stated.

He further highlighted that Reform Coordination Units within MDAs serve as strategic instruments for institutionalizing change, improving performance, and aligning operations with the national reform blueprint led by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms  (BPSR).

NIMASA’s implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in public service delivery, must have dazzled BPSR!

“Our focus is to equip institutions with tools such as the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) and to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders in order to drive consistent improvements in public service delivery,” Arabi added.

NIMASA Boss, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to reform, even as he described the Agency’s role as a catalyst for national development.

His words “Reform is the pathway to innovation and national advancement. Without change, we risk stagnation. As a forward-looking organization, NIMASA is embracing transformation to fulfill its mandate and better serve the nation”

He urged NIMASA staff to embrace a proactive and open mindset toward change, emphasizing that adaptability is essential to building institutional resilience and achieving long-term success.

The Directors General of BPSR and NIMASA have by their declarations have set; not new parameters but a reawakening and bold challenge to both Agencies to be alive to their respective mandates.

NIMASA has its speed boats, service boats and other equipment positioned. The Men and women behind these machines have no excuse not to deliver.

They must be proactive and have that essential broader vision, very crucial for progress, to share and execute within the context of the national goals of the Agency.