NIMASA AND NSIB MOVE TO STRENGTHEN JOINT ACTION ON MARITIME SAFETY AND CASUALTY INVESTIGATION

NIMASA AND NSIB MOVE TO STRENGTHEN JOINT ACTION ON MARITIME SAFETY AND CASUALTY INVESTIGATION
By Prince Benson Davies

LAGOS – The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, have agreed to deepen institutional cooperation to improve maritime safety, security and the investigation of marine incidents in Nigeria.

The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NSIB, Captain Alex Sabundu Badeh Jnr., to the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos. He was received by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Mobereola said collaboration between both agencies is necessary to build a maritime system that meets global standards and protects lives, vessels and the marine environment. He noted that safety and security in the maritime domain cannot be achieved by one institution alone and requires coordinated action and shared responsibility.

“NIMASA understands the critical role NSIB plays in transportation safety. To strengthen safety and security, we need commitment, practical frameworks and sustained collaboration that delivers results. Our goal is to build a maritime sector that works on global best practices and contributes to national growth through stronger institutions,” he said.

The NIMASA DG added that the partnership also supports the agenda of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, who has consistently emphasised inter-agency cooperation as key to delivering the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy objectives.

In his remarks, Captain Badeh said the two agencies have different statutory responsibilities but share the same objective of making Nigeria’s maritime sector safer and more resilient. He explained that effective safety management depends on institutions working together to exchange information, expertise and lessons from past incidents.

“Our mandates are different, but our destination is the same. Safety works best when agencies collaborate. A stronger partnership between NSIB and NIMASA will improve how we investigate marine casualties, strengthen prevention and ensure that recommendations lead to safer operations,” he stated.

Captain Badeh outlined priority areas for joint work to include timely notification of marine casualties, coordinated emergency response, preservation of evidence, data and information sharing, technical support, capacity building and the implementation of safety recommendations. He said a formalised partnership would also help Nigeria meet its obligations under international maritime conventions.

Following the discussions, both agencies agreed to set up technical committees immediately. The committees will develop a framework for a Memorandum of Understanding and draft Terms of Reference to guide cooperation in areas such as casualty investigation, information exchange, training and the execution of safety recommendations.

Officials said the structured collaboration is expected to improve Nigeria’s maritime safety regime, enhance regulatory compliance and provide better protection for seafarers, vessels and the marine environment.

NIMASA reaffirmed its commitment to working with sister agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a responsible maritime nation.