NIMASA DG MOBEREOLA HOSTS LIBERIAN ENVOY, CALLS FOR EXPANDED REGIONAL MARITIME CAPACITY BUILDING

NIMASA DG MOBEREOLA HOSTS LIBERIAN ENVOY, CALLS FOR EXPANDED REGIONAL MARITIME CAPACITY BUILDING
By Prince Benson Davies

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has called for a more coordinated approach to maritime training and safety across Africa, stressing that regional capacity building is key to unlocking the continent’s ocean economy. He made the call while receiving the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Liberia in Lagos, Mr. Dapo Akinosun, SAN, during a courtesy visit to the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.

Dr. Mobereola said the meeting reflects the strong historical ties between Nigeria and Liberia in shipping and maritime administration. He noted that both countries share similar challenges and opportunities, and that closer collaboration would help improve standards, reduce operational costs for shipowners, and create better opportunities for African seafarers.

According to the NIMASA boss, the continent cannot achieve sustainable maritime growth if nations continue to work in isolation. He explained that shared programmes on training, certification, and safety regulation will strengthen the Blue Economy and support the goals of regional integration. He pointed to the need for structured sea-time training, access to modern simulators, and partnerships that allow Nigerian and Liberian cadets to gain practical experience on internationally compliant vessels.

Dr. Mobereola also appreciated the Liberian government for its consistent support for Nigeria at the International Maritime Organization, including the successful bid for the Category C seat on the IMO Council. He described the support as proof of mutual trust and said both countries should now translate that goodwill into technical cooperation on areas such as port state control, marine environment protection, and maritime security.

In his response, Mr. Dapo Akinosun said Liberia regards Nigeria as a strategic partner in advancing maritime governance in West Africa. He explained that the visit was aimed at consolidating diplomatic relations and exploring new areas of cooperation in maritime administration, training, and investment. He commended NIMASA for its reforms aimed at improving regulatory efficiency and making Nigeria’s maritime sector more attractive to investors.

The Honorary Consul added that the Blue Economy holds huge potential for job creation and economic diversification, but only if African states commit to joint policy enforcement and capacity development. He expressed Liberia’s readiness to work with NIMASA on initiatives that will improve seafarer training, enhance vessel safety inspections, and boost intra-African shipping.

The engagement ended with both sides agreeing to establish a framework for continuous dialogue and joint programmes. Officials present said the renewed partnership is expected to produce practical outcomes for maritime professionals and contribute to the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

PHOTO 1
Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, right, presents a souvenir to the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Liberia in Lagos, Mr. Dapo Akinosun, SAN, during the visit to NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.

PHOTO 2 o
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Liberia in Lagos, Mr. Dapo Akinosun, SAN, left, presents a plaque to the Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

PHOTO 3
Left to right: Head, Media Department, Liberian Consulate in Lagos, Mr. Kehinde Ogundimu; Honorary Consul of the Republic of Liberia in Lagos, Mr. Dapo Akinosun, SAN; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr. Jibril Abba; and Director, Reforms Coordination and Strategic Planning, NIMASA, during the meeting in Lagos.