NIMASA Ends 2025 on an impressive note

NIMASA Ends 2025 on an impressive note

By Babatunde Aremu

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has ended the year 2025 on an impressive note, recording far-reaching achievements that have strengthened Nigeria’s maritime sector and enhanced the country’s standing in global maritime governance. Under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Agency earned commendations from the Presidency, maritime institutions, labour unions, and a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders.

Throughout the year under review, NIMASA, operating under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, sustained a reform-driven agenda focused on maritime safety and security, capacity development, regulatory efficiency, labour harmony, and international engagement. These deliberate efforts culminated in one of Nigeria’s most significant maritime milestones in recent history — the country’s successful return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence.

Presidential Commendation and Global Recognition.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally commended the management of NIMASA following Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, describing the achievement as a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime governance.

In a State House press release, the President noted that the election reflects the confidence of the international community in Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based operations. He specifically applauded the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their professionalism, strategic engagement, and tireless efforts throughout the election process.

President Tinubu further emphasized that Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council aligns seamlessly with his administration’s broader vision to unlock the nation’s vast blue economy potential, strengthen anti-piracy initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea, expand maritime infrastructure, and position Nigeria as a regional shipping and logistics hub.

Landmark IMO Council Victory.

Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council on Friday, 28 November 2025, during the IMO General Assembly in London, stands out as the defining highlight of the year. The victory, led by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, marked Nigeria’s triumphant return to the Council after more than a decade.

Describing the outcome as a landmark endorsement of Nigeria’s maritime reforms, Dr. Oyetola credited over twelve months of intensive diplomatic shuttles, sustained advocacy, and coordinated stakeholder engagement involving NIMASA and other national institutions. He noted that Nigeria’s improved maritime security architecture and reforms in the Gulf of Guinea played a decisive role in restoring global confidence.

With this development, Nigeria has been restored to a strategic global platform where it can meaningfully contribute to shaping international shipping policies, maritime safety standards, and sustainable ocean governance.

Hosting the IMO Secretary-General.

Another major highlight of the year was NIMASA’s successful hosting of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, the world’s leading maritime official. The historic visit underscored Nigeria’s renewed relevance within the global maritime community.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy personally led the engagement, providing strategic leadership and hosting the IMO Secretary-General, while NIMASA, as Nigeria’s nodal agency to the IMO, coordinated techn