MACN commends NIMASA reforms, notes improved transparency

The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

MACN Chief Executive Officer, Cecelia Torbrand, gave the commendation when she led a delegation from the network on a courtesy visit to NIMASA in Lagos on Friday.

The Head of Public Relations Unit of NIMASA, Mr Edward Osagie made this known in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Torbrand said the reforms had contributed to an improved business environment in the maritime sector, stressing the need for continued collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, civil society and other relevant actors.

She said MACN’s work was anchored on capability building, collective action and collaboration to promote a culture of integrity and address corruption risks in the maritime industry.

Also, Chief Executive Officer, Convention on Business Integrity (CBI) and MACN member, Mr Olusoji Apampa, said the reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector deserved greater visibility.

Apampa said the measures were attracting attention across the sub-region, with countries including Ghana and Senegal developing mechanisms inspired by the Nigerian experience.

Responding, NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Mr Fatai Adeyemi, appreciated MACN for its continued engagement with the agency.

Mobereola said data was essential to demonstrating the impact of reforms in the maritime sector.

“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 DG said NIMASA was also working to further enhance transparency in enforcement operations through the introduction of body cameras for officers boarding vessels.

He said the initiative would promote greater accountability in interactions between enforcement personnel and operators.

Mobereola attributed the progress recorded in the sector to the support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola.

He called for the replication of successful reforms across maritime administrations in the region, saying improved transparency could create more opportunities for businesses and strengthen regional competitiveness.

The NIMASA DG reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building systems that promoted transparency and integrity in maritime business in Nigeria.