LAGOS — OCT 16, 2026— Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, says Nigeria must move from formulating fine maritime policies to delivering tangible economic benefits, efficiency and opportunities for Nigerians.
Speaking at World Maritime Day 2026 themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”on Friday, Mobereola said strength of a maritime nation is not in policies alone, but in ability to implement them for citizens.
“Nigeria’s maritime sector is a critical pillar of growth — gateway to international trade, driver of investment and employment,” he told stakeholders.
He said this year’s theme challenges government and private operators to assess whether regulations actually improve industry performance and livelihoods.
Mobereola noted Nigeria accounted for over 46% of port calls in Gulf of Guinea in 2025, underscoring strategic importance and need to strengthen institutions, infrastructure and human capacity.
But excellence, he said, must not be measured by traffic alone, but by safety and security of waters, port efficiency, environmental protection, seafarers welfare and indigenous participation in vessel ownership and operations.
NIMASA DG listed how promises are becoming fulfillment under strategic leadership of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy:
4 years without piracy in Nigerian waters — restoring confidence of shipowners and investors.
Re-election to IMO Council after 14-year absence.
Lifting of US Condition of Entry after 12 years.
CVFF application portal established with preparations for disbursement underway — moving fund from perpetual pledge to process.
Full automation of Nigerian Ship Registry— cutting bottlenecks, boosting global participation.
Implementation of IMO STCW Audit after 18 years — raising competence and global employability of Nigerian seafarers.
“Improved security strengthens confidence. Automation enhances efficiency. Better training expands employment. Access to CVFF will enable indigenous operators acquire vessels, expand businesses, create jobs,” Mobereola said.
He said value of policy lies in practical implementation delivering measurable benefits to individuals, businesses and economy.
He however warned against complacency, calling for sustained investment, inter-agency collaboration, innovation, capacity development and modern infrastructure.
Maritime excellence, he said, requires collective commitment of Ministry, agencies, terminal operators, shipowners, seafarers, unions, financial institutions, academia and private sector.
He described Blue Economy as key to sustainable resource management and expanding opportunities, urging stakeholders to prioritize actions that turn potential into sustainable value.
Mobereola hailed seafarers, dockworkers, port workers, regulators, security personnel and engineers as central to global trade, stressing their safety, welfare and professional dignity must remain central to policy.
He commended Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for strategic direction and called for renewed commitment to build safe, secure, efficient, environmentally sustainable and globally competitive industry with strong indigenous participation.
“Move beyond policy formulation. Focus on effective implementation as foundation for sustainable maritime development,” he charged.
