The presidency gives thumbs-up to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its performance in the recent times, especially as it concerns Nigeria’s successful election into IMO Category ‘C’ Council
By Patrick Ogboru
On behalf of the presidency, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s successful election into the Category ‘C’ of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), for the 2026–2027 biennium.
In a letter dated January 28, 2026 and addressed to the NIMASA Director General, Oyetola acknowledged Mobereola’s strategic leadership and instrumental role in securing Nigeria’s victory at the IMO Council elections held in London, last year.
According to the Minister, the DG-NIMASA’s strategic engagement with the IMO member states and effective campaign coordination were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success, reflecting a high level of dedication to advancing the nation’s maritime interests.
The Minister stated that “Your strategic engagement with IMO member states and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success at the election, showcasing your steadfast dedication and unrelenting commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests.
“The Ministry commends your pivotal role in demonstrating Nigeria’s maritime potential and reforms, thereby bolstering the nation’s standing in the global maritime community. As a key member of the Inter-Ministerial Bid Committee, your contributions reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and strengthened international maritime cooperation”.
Oyetola also conveyed the Federal Government’s appreciation for the Director General’s outstanding service and expressed confidence in his continued contributions toward advancing Nigeria’s maritime ambitions.
On his part, elated Mobereola expressed deep appreciation to the presidency for the commendation, as well as for the leadership and guidance provided throughout the IMO Council election process. Mobereola attributed the success of the election to the dedication of NIMASA staff and the support of stakeholders, while reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to sustain collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He said, “This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the strong support of stakeholders, and it further challenges us to remain focused and committed in delivering on NIMASA’s mandate”.
He called for renewed dedication across the Agency to justify Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council by strengthening efforts in maritime safety, security, marine environmental protection, and capacity development.
Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council is considered a strategic gain for the country and aligns directly with NIMASA’s statutory responsibility as the nation’s maritime administration.
Meanwhile, NIMASA has begun to push for aggressive shipyard development to curb capital flight. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s shipbuilding and shipyard capacity as part of a broader strategy to deepen the nation’s blue economy and reduce capital flight in the maritime sector.
A press statement signed by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, NIMASA said the assurance was given at a high-level stakeholders’ breakfast meeting organised by the agency in Lagos under the theme: “Dissecting the Issues, Challenges, and Prospects in the Shipbuilding Segment – Discussing Funding Models, Incentives, and Policy Support for Shipyards Growth.”
The event was held at the Nigerian Maritime Resource Development Centre (NMRDC), Kirikiri, Lagos.
Delivering the welcome address as Chairman of the occasion, the Executive Director, Operations, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, described shipbuilding as a capital-intensive and technically demanding industry that requires deliberate financial models and consistent policy support to achieve sustainable growth.
Represented by the Director, Marine Environment Management, Dr. Oma Offodile, Adeyemi said the meeting was convened to undertake a frank assessment of the structural challenges confronting the industry and to build consensus around pragmatic funding frameworks and incentives capable of driving competitive shipyard growth.
“Shipbuilding is a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy aspirations. It is capital-intensive, technically demanding, and highly competitive. That is why deliberate funding models, targeted incentives, and policy consistency are critical,” he said.
