NIMASA Restructures Management to Enhance Operational Efficiency

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced a major management reshuffle as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional efficiency, improve service delivery, and align the agency with international maritime standards.The restructuring, which affects several key directorates and departments, is aimed at repositioning NIMASA to better fulfil its statutory responsibilities of regulating maritime safety, security, and shipping development in Nigeria’s territorial waters. The move comes amid renewed calls for transparency, accountability, and strategic reforms in the nation’s maritime sector.

In a statement issued by NIMASA’s Director of Public Affairs, Osagie Edward, the agency confirmed that the management changes were approved by its Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, following a comprehensive internal review of operations and human resource performance. The review, according to him, was necessary to ensure optimal deployment of personnel and to inject fresh perspectives into critical areas of the organisation.

Dr. Mobereola stated that the reshuffle was designed to build a stronger and more dynamic management team capable of driving NIMASA’s vision of making Nigeria a leading maritime nation in Africa. “This restructuring is a deliberate step towards ensuring that NIMASA operates at its maximum potential. We are committed to efficiency, professionalism, and service excellence. Every decision made in this regard is focused on delivering better results for our stakeholders and the nation,” he said.

He added that the agency’s operations must reflect the realities of a rapidly changing global maritime environment, where technology, safety compliance, and environmental sustainability are becoming key determinants of competitiveness. “To keep pace with global maritime standards, we must ensure that our management structure supports innovation, responsiveness, and effective governance,” he noted.

Under the new arrangement, several directors were redeployed, while new appointments were made in departments covering Maritime Safety, Cabotage Services, Shipping Development, and Marine Environment Management. The reshuffle also affected the agency’s Zonal Offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Calabar, with a focus on strengthening regional operations and stakeholder engagement.

Industry observers have welcomed the development, describing it as a timely reform that could reinvigorate the agency’s internal processes. According to maritime analyst Captain Bala Mohammed, NIMASA’s success depends on its ability to adapt and modernise its management systems. “The reshuffle is an important signal that the leadership is serious about improving efficiency. The maritime industry is evolving fast, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind,” he said.

Another stakeholder, Mrs. Ifeoma Uche, a shipping consultant, noted that NIMASA’s efficiency directly impacts the ease of doing business in the maritime sector. “If the agency streamlines its administrative and regulatory processes, shipping companies, port operators, and other stakeholders will benefit significantly. This move could improve the turnaround time for vessel clearance, certification, and maritime security operations,” she added.

Dr. Mobereola also emphasised that the restructuring aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, job creation, and the promotion of blue economy development. He reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investors while ensuring maritime safety and security.

As part of the broader reform, NIMASA will also intensify its capacity-building initiatives to equip staff with modern technical skills and leadership competencies. Training programmes, both local and international, will be expanded to ensure that personnel are well-prepared to handle the complexities of maritime regulation and administration.

The agency disclosed that it will enhance collaboration with other key maritime institutions such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Customs Service to improve coordination in areas like port security, anti-piracy operations, and marine pollution control. The goal, according to NIMASA, is to build synergy across agencies to promote efficient port operations and strengthen Nigeria’s global maritime image.

In recent years, NIMASA has embarked on a series of reforms to reposition the maritime sector as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy. These include the enforcement of the Cabotage Act, expansion of the Deep Blue Project for maritime security, and the digitalisation of ship registration and certification processes.

However, the agency has faced criticism over bureaucratic bottlenecks, delayed approvals, and revenue leakages. The latest management reshuffle is therefore seen as part of an effort to address these challenges and enhance institutional accountability.

Analysts believe that if the restructuring is properly implemented and sustained, it could lead to significant improvements in service delivery and stakeholder satisfaction. It could also help NIMASA achieve its broader strategic objectives, including reducing piracy incidents, improving maritime domain awareness, and increasing Nigeria’s share of the African maritime market.

Dr. Mobereola concluded that the new management team will be assessed based on measurable performance indicators tied to efficiency, transparency, and operational outcomes. “We are creating a culture of performance and accountability. Every director and manager must understand that their actions have a direct impact on national development,” he said.

With this reshuffle, NIMASA aims to strengthen its role as the driving force behind Nigeria’s maritime transformation agenda — ensuring safer waters, efficient port operations, and sustainable blue economy growth.