At 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event in South Korea, NIMASA Director General urged practical cooperation to boost safety, skills, regulation and industry competitiveness
Nigeria has called for stronger global maritime partnerships capable of translating international dialogue into practical solutions for safer shipping, improved regulatory standards, professional capacity development and environmental sustainability.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made the call while representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event in Busan, Republic of Korea.
Mobereola stressed the need for countries participating in the global maritime gathering to move beyond discussions and build practical partnerships that deliver measurable benefits, particularly in maritime regulation, professional development and the competitiveness of the shipping industry.
He said Nigeria intended to leverage the opportunities presented by the event to strengthen regulatory performance, expand opportunities for Nigerian maritime professionals and improve the country’s standing in the global maritime industry.
According to him, these priorities align with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda, which seeks to harness the sector’s potential for national development.
The NIMASA chief executive noted that sustained international cooperation remained essential to addressing emerging challenges in global shipping, promoting innovation and advancing a maritime industry that is safe, efficient and environmentally responsible.
Mobereola is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the event, which brings together maritime leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders to discuss developments affecting global shipping and explore opportunities for international cooperation.
Mobereola Meets Former IMO Chief
In a separate engagement on the sidelines of the event, Mobereola met with Kitack Lim, former Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and expressed appreciation for his contributions to the development of the global maritime sector during his tenure at the helm of the United Nations specialised agency.
The meeting also underscored the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration among maritime leaders in advancing common industry objectives and supporting the development of the international maritime community.
Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event reflects the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen international maritime relations, improve professional capacity and build strategic partnerships to unlock the potential of the marine and blue economy.
Through such engagements, the country aims to expand opportunities for its maritime professionals and enhance the industry’s capacity to contribute to economic growth.