ANTI CORRUPTION NETWORK COMMENDS NIMASA REFORMS, ACKNOWLEDGE RISING TRANSPARENCY IN NIGERIA’S MARITIME SECTOR
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA for the reforms being implemented in Nigeria’s maritime sector, noting that the measures have contributed significantly to the increased transparency and improved business environment currently being witnessed across the sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of MACN, Cecelia Torbrand, stated this when she led a delegation of the Network on a courtesy visit to NIMASA in Lagos, where both organisations discussed areas of continued collaboration and strategies for further strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Torbrand highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing corruption risks within the maritime industry, noting that sustainable change requires strong collaboration among government institutions, industry stakeholders, civil society and other relevant actors.
She explained that MACN’s work is anchored on three key pillars: Capability Building, Collective Action, and Collaboration/Culture of Integrity emphasizing that provision of innovative tools, training and compliance resources; sustainable, on-the-ground change; and partnershRips across board are critical to addressing the root causes of maritime corruption.
The MACN CEO commended NIMASA for the reforms undertaken to improve transparency and integrity within the Nigerian maritime space, stressing the importance of sustaining the momentum and documenting the progress being achieved.
Also speaking, a member of MACN and Chief Executive Officer of the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI), Mr. Olusoji Apampa, said the progress recorded in Nigeria’s maritime sector deserved greater visibility.
He noted that the reforms being implemented in Nigeria are attracting attention across the sub-region, with countries including Ghana and Senegal developing mechanisms inspired by the Nigerian experience.
Apampa described the development as “the Nigerian Miracle,” noting that the experience demonstrates what can be achieved when government and industry stakeholders work together to address systemic challenges.
Responding, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola appreciated MACN’s continued engagement and contribution to strengthening conversations around integrity, transparency and accountability in the maritime sector and expressed the Agency’s readiness to deepen collaboration with MACN towards building a more transparent, predictable and efficient maritime sector.
Represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, Mobereola emphasised the importance of data in demonstrating and communicating the progress being made 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 stated.
The Director General expressed delight at the progress recorded in the reforms, attributing the gains to the support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
Mobereola also hinted at efforts to further enhance transparency in enforcement operations to include the introduction of body cameras for enforcement officers who board vessels. “The initiative would provide greater transparency in interactions between enforcement personnel and operators, while also promoting more efficient and accountable operations”, he said.
The NIMASA DG also advocated for the replication of successful reforms across maritime administrations in the region with a concomitant impact on trade and investment, stressing that a more transparent maritime environment would create opportunities for businesses and strengthen regional competitiveness.
NIMASA has always maintained the objective of building systems and institutional practices that make transparency and integrity not merely aspirations, but shared values embedded in the conduct of maritime business in Nigeria.