By Seun Ibiyemi
The Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, improved performance, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector with the signing of its 2026 Sectoral Performance Bond.
The exercise, overseen by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, underscores the Federal Government’s push to strengthen governance and service delivery across key agencies.
L-R – Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Dr. Akutah Pius, MON; Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola during the 2026 Sectoral Performance Retreat and Bond Signing of Agencies under the Ministry in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, described the Performance Bond as a critical governance tool designed to track deliverables, enhance institutional accountability, and align the agency’s operations with national priorities.
Mobereola noted that ongoing reforms within NIMASA are being driven by purposeful leadership and strong ministerial support. He added that the agency remains focused on delivering its mandate in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
On maritime security, the NIMASA boss disclosed that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters over the past four years.
He attributed the milestone to improved surveillance systems and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
All Heads of Agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in a group photograph with the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON during the 2026 Sectoral Performance Retreat and Bond Signing of Agencies under the Ministry in Lagos.
He further revealed that the agency is at an advanced stage of automating its ship registry processes, a development expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce delays, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
Providing an update on the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), Mobereola disclosed that more than 60 applications have been received since the portal was launched in January 2026.
He assured stakeholders that the disbursement process would be transparent and strictly monitored.
The Director-General also highlighted Nigeria’s growing engagement with international maritime standards, noting that the country has deposited three conventions with the International Maritime Organization, while three others are awaiting approval by the Federal Executive Council.
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He added that Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council in November 2025 has restored its voice in global maritime governance and strengthened its leadership role within Africa.
In his remarks, Oyetola reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging the maritime sector as a driver of economic diversification, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.
He emphasized that the Performance Bonds are binding commitments that will be closely monitored, stressing that accountability remains a non-negotiable priority.
