The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has renewed its strategic partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, with the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity.
The renewed agreement reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to building a highly skilled maritime workforce and enhancing Nigeria’s standing in global maritime governance.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Malmö, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the collaboration as a cornerstone of the Agency’s human capital development strategy and a deliberate investment in the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years. Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management.
“Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organisation and other international maritime platforms”, he said.
Under the renewed MoU — originally signed in 2022 — NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU for the 2026–2029 intakes. The Agency will also sponsor at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.
The agreement further provides for distance learning programmes, executive professional development courses, research collaboration, and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification, and implementation of international maritime instruments. WMU will also explore additional fellowship opportunities from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.
Back row: Director, Legal Services, NIMASA, Heaky Dimowo; (2nd right); Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott (3rd right); Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile (4th right); Director, Administration and Human Resources, NIMASA, Moji Jimoh (3rd left); Head of Training, NIMASA, Oluwseun Olufunke and others at the MoU renewal
Mobereola signed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA, while the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Mejia Jr., signed on behalf of the University. Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NIMASA, Chudi Offodile, and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott, signed as witnesses.
Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), WMU was created to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries.
Over the years, Nigeria has benefited significantly from the training of NIMASA officers at the University, contributing to improved maritime governance and stronger international engagement.