By Admin 

The Alumni Association of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO) has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its ongoing digital transformation initiatives, particularly the deployment of the electronic platform for the issuance of Seafarers’ Certificates, describing the development as a major step towards improving efficiency and transparency in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The commendation came during a courtesy visit by the leadership of AMANO, led by its President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, to the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, at the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, Maiguwa noted that the digital certification platform has simplified processes for Nigerian seafarers, improved accessibility and enhanced confidence in the certification system.

He also praised NIMASA’s strategic partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with local and international stakeholders, noting that such collaborations have expanded opportunities for the training, certification and employment of Nigerian seafarers.

While applauding the Agency’s achievements, the AMANO President urged NIMASA to sustain efforts aimed at creating more opportunities for maritime professionals and strengthening human capacity development within the industry.

According to him, priority areas requiring continued attention include the expansion of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), greater stakeholder involvement in maritime policy formulation, effective implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), enhanced protection of seafarers against abandonment, establishment of a sustainable pension framework and improved welfare packages for Nigerian seafarers.

Responding, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to building an efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime administration in line with the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

He stated that NIMASA would continue to implement reforms that strengthen regulatory oversight, promote innovation and create more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.

Mobereola described the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth and emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry stakeholders, including AMANO, in developing policies and programmes that will accelerate the growth of the sector.

He assured the association of NIMASA’s readiness to sustain engagement with maritime professionals and stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria continues to produce globally competitive seafarers capable of meeting international standards.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for both organisations to discuss issues affecting the maritime industry, including seafarer development, implementation of international maritime conventions and strategies for enhancing the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Both parties expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between NIMASA and AMANO would contribute significantly to the development of the nation’s maritime workforce and the overall advancement of the blue economy.