LAGOS — The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have initiated steps to deepen collaboration aimed at improving maritime safety, security and accident investigations across Nigeria’s waters.
Both agencies agreed to establish a formal framework for cooperation, including the creation of joint technical committees to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and operational guidelines for information sharing and marine casualty investigations.
The development followed a meeting in Lagos between NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his NSIB counterpart, Captain Alex Sabundu Badeh Jnr., according to a statement by NIMASA.
“Strengthening safety and security within our maritime domain requires commitment, collaboration and practical frameworks that deliver sustainable results,” Mobereola said.
He added that the partnership would help align Nigeria’s maritime operations with global best practices while protecting lives, vessels and the marine environment.
Mobereola noted that the initiative supports the vision of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, particularly in advancing inter-agency cooperation within the sector.
On his part, Badeh described the collaboration as critical to preventing marine accidents and improving transportation safety.
“Our mandates are different, but our destination is the same; a safer and more resilient maritime sector for Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that closer cooperation between both agencies would enhance emergency response coordination, strengthen accident investigations and ensure that safety lessons are effectively implemented across the industry.
Key areas identified for collaboration include marine casualty notification, preservation of evidence, technical support, capacity building and implementation of safety recommendations.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime standards and reinforce its maritime safety architecture.
Industry stakeholders say the move could significantly improve regulatory efficiency and support the Federal Government’s push for a sustainable and globally competitive blue economy.
