Capacity Development: NIMASA and WMU Join Forces Again

Capacity Development: NIMASA and WMU Join Forces Again

By prince Benson Davies

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has renewed its strategic partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden, signing a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity. This partnership aims to enhance NIMASA’s technical and regulatory capabilities, with a focus on maritime safety, environmental management, and shipping management.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola described the partnership as a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human capital development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.

 

“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years. Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management. Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he stated.

 

Under the renewed MoU, which was first signed in 2022, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU in Malmö for the 2026–2029 intakes, as well as at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.

The MoU also provides for distance learning, executive professional development courses, research collaboration and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification and implementation of international maritime instruments. WMU will further seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.

Dr. Mobereola endorsed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA with the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr signing on behalf of the University while Executive Director Finance and Administration NIMASA Chudi Offodile and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott both signed as witnesses.

Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries. The University has since become a leading centre of excellence, and Nigeria has benefited significantly through the training of NIMASA officers who continue to enhance national maritime governance and international engagement.

 

Picture captions

Pic 1 & 2: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola (left) and President of World Maritime University, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr during the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding ,MoU on strategic capacity development between NIMASA and the World Maritime University (WMU), in Malmö, Sweden.

 

Pic 3: Seated: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola (right) and President of World Maritime University, WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr with Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile (back right) and  the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott during the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding, MoU on strategic capacity development between NIMASA and the World Maritime University (WMU), in Malmö, Sweden

 

Pic 4:  Seated: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola (right) and President of World Maritime University, WMU