Anti Corruption Network, MACN applauds NIMASA Reforms, Hails Agency’s Rising Transparency in Maritime Sector
MACN applauds NIMASA Reforms, Hails Agency’s Rising Transparency in Maritime Sector
By Babatunde Aremu
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of MACN, Cecelia Torbrand, gave the commendation when she led a delegation of the network on a courtesy visit to NIMASA’s headquarters in Lagos, where both organisations discussed areas of continued collaboration and strategies for further strengthening integrity within the maritime industry.
Torbrand said MACN’s experience showed that sustainable progress in tackling corruption risks in the maritime sector required collective action involving government institutions, industry stakeholders, civil society and other relevant actors.
She identified three key pillars underpinning MACN’s work as capability building, collective action, and collaboration and culture of integrity.
According to her, innovative tools, training, compliance resources and strategic partnerships are essential to addressing the root causes of corruption and achieving sustainable change in the maritime industry.
The MACN CEO specifically commended NIMASA for the reforms undertaken to improve transparency and integrity in the Nigerian maritime space, urging the Agency to sustain the momentum and properly document the progress being recorded.
Also speaking, a member of MACN and Chief Executive Officer of the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI), Olusoji Apampa, said the developments in Nigeria’s maritime sector deserved greater visibility.
Apampa said the reforms were attracting attention across the sub-region, noting that countries including Ghana and Senegal were developing mechanisms inspired by the Nigerian experience.
He described the development as the “Nigerian Miracle,” saying it demonstrated what could be achieved when government and industry stakeholders collaborate to address systemic challenges.
Responding, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, appreciated MACN for its continued engagement and contribution to strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability in the maritime sector.
Mobereola, who was represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, expressed NIMASA’s readiness to deepen collaboration with MACN towards building a more transparent, predictable and efficient maritime environment.
The NIMASA DG stressed the importance of data in measuring and communicating the impact of reforms being implemented across the sector.
“Data is essential to show the progress being made in the maritime sector. We need to be able to demonstrate what we are doing and showcase the impact of these reforms,” he stated.
Mobereola attributed the progress recorded in the sector to the support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
He also disclosed plans to further enhance transparency in enforcement operations through the introduction of body cameras for enforcement officers boarding vessels.
According to him, the initiative is expected to promote greater transparency in interactions between enforcement personnel and operators while improving accountability and efficiency in enforcement activities.
The NIMASA DG further advocated the replication of successful reforms across maritime administrations in the region, noting that greater transparency in the maritime environment could create new opportunities for businesses, support trade and enhance regional competitiveness.
NIMASA said its reforms are aimed at building systems and institutional practices that make transparency and integrity not merely aspirations but shared values embedded in the conduct of maritime business in Nigeria.
