The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening seafarers’ documentation and maritime digitalisation in partnership with The Gambia.
The Assistant Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Edward Osagie, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, following a four-day study visit by officials of the Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) to the agency from June 8 to June 11.
The visit underscored regional collaboration aimed at promoting efficient, secure, and globally compliant seafarer certification systems. Officials from both agencies reviewed procedures and exchanged operational experiences across various maritime administration units.
NIMASA’s Director-General, Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director of Operations, Fatai Adeyemi, noted that the visit reflected the cordial relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia. He said such engagements provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and capacity development within Africa’s maritime sector, adding that mutual learning would enhance regional cooperation and improve competitiveness.
Mr Mobereola stated that NIMASA shared its experience in the digitalisation of seafarers’ documentation and certification processes, including systems for record management, verification, medical certification, examinations, and the issuance of Certificates of Proficiency. He attributed the progress recorded in digital transformation to the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Minister Adegboyega Oyetola.
The Manager of Ship Registry and Seafarers Affairs at the GMA, Falu Sey, who led the delegation, said NIMASA was selected because of Nigeria’s achievements in maritime development and digital transformation. He noted that the technical sessions provided practical insights that would help strengthen The Gambia’s maritime administration and service delivery, and confirmed that the delegation would implement the lessons learned.
The programme concluded with the signing of records and group photographs, as both agencies documented the engagement as part of ongoing regional cooperation on seafarers’ documentation and maritime governance.
- (NAN)
