The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
MACN Chief Executive Officer, Cecelia Torbrand, gave the commendation when she led a delegation of the network on a courtesy visit to NIMASA in Lagos, where both organisations reviewed areas of continued collaboration and explored strategies for further reducing corruption risks across the maritime industry.
Torbrand said the progress being recorded underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and other relevant actors in driving lasting change.
She identified three key pillars underpinning MACN’s work – capability building, collective action, and collaboration and a culture of integrity – noting that innovative tools, training, compliance resources and strong partnerships were critical to tackling the root causes of corruption in the maritime sector.
The MACN chief executive particularly commended NIMASA for the reforms introduced to improve transparency and integrity within Nigeria’s maritime space, urging the Agency to sustain the momentum and document the gains being achieved.
‘Nigerian Miracle’ Gaining Regional Attention
Also speaking, a member of MACN and Chief Executive Officer of the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI), Olusoji Apampa, said the progress recorded in Nigeria’s maritime sector deserved greater visibility.
Apampa noted that the reforms were attracting attention beyond Nigeria, with countries including Ghana and Senegal developing mechanisms influenced by the Nigerian experience.
He described the development as “the Nigerian Miracle”, saying it demonstrated what could be achieved when government and industry stakeholders worked together to address systemic challenges.
Responding, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, appreciated MACN for its continued engagement and contribution to strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity in the maritime sector.
Represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi, Mobereola said NIMASA was ready to deepen its collaboration with MACN towards building a more transparent, predictable and efficient maritime environment.
He stressed the importance of data in measuring and communicating the impact of reforms.
“Data is essential to show the progress being made in the maritime sector. We need to be able to demonstrate what we are doing and showcase the impact of these reforms”, he said.
The NIMASA Director General attributed the progress recorded to the support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola.
NIMASA Plans Body Cameras For Enforcement Officers
Mobereola also disclosed plans to further strengthen transparency in enforcement operations through the introduction of body cameras for officers who board vessels.
According to him, the initiative would promote greater transparency in interactions between enforcement personnel and vessel operators while enhancing accountability and efficiency in enforcement activities.
He further advocated the replication of successful reforms across maritime administrations in the region, noting that improved transparency could contribute to increased trade and investment opportunities and strengthen regional competitiveness.
NIMASA, he said, remained committed to developing systems and institutional practices that make transparency and integrity not merely aspirations, but shared values embedded in the conduct of maritime business in Nigeria.