NIMASA's Transformation Under Dr. Dayo Mobereola

Dr. Dayo Mobereola assumed leadership of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on March 22, 2024, inheriting significant challenges, including a backlog in training and regulatory gaps.

Within two years, NIMASA emerged as a leader in maritime innovation and regulatory enforcement, enhancing Nigeria's international maritime reputation. Mobereola's vision includes a commitment to workforce development, exemplified by the Nigerian Seafarer Development Programme (NSDP), which aims to address training delays for aspiring maritime professionals.

Notably, in 2025, Mobereola became the first person to attend a maritime academy graduation ceremony in Nigeria. Under his leadership, NIMASA sent 235 cadets to premier maritime institutes in India and Greece for training.

The agency also implemented a comprehensive staff welfare program and was elected to the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 biennium, reflecting its growing international stature. Additionally, the launch of a maritime labor e-platform in June 2025 aims to modernize workforce management and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness in the global blue economy.