Executive Director, Operation, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi (middle) making a presentation to the Head, delegation of the Gambia Maritime Administration Mr. Falu Sey (left), and Head, Special Duties NIMASA, Engr. Patrick Eigbe during the closing of a four-day visit of the GMA to NIMASA.
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening seafarers’ documentation and advancing maritime digitalisation, as officials of the Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) concluded a four-day study visit to the Agency.
The visit highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in promoting efficient, secure and globally compliant seafarer certification systems across Africa.
Speaking during the engagement, the Executive Director, Operations of NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, who represented the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the visit as a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia, as well as the growing cooperation between their maritime administrations.
According to Adeyemi, such exchanges provide valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, institutional learning and capacity development within Africa’s maritime sector.
“We are delighted to share our experiences in digitalising seafarers’ documentation and certification processes. The decision by our Gambian colleagues to choose NIMASA for this study visit is a recognition of the progress Nigeria has made in maritime administration and human capacity development.
“There is always something to learn from one another. Such engagements strengthen regional cooperation and help build a more efficient and globally competitive maritime sector across Africa,” he said.
Adeyemi further attributed NIMASA’s achievements in digital transformation, maritime administration and human capacity development to the strategic policy direction and support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
(R-L): Head, Health Services Unit, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; Dr. Kafilat Eniafe; Director, Administration and Human Resources, NIMASA; Mrs. Moji A. Jimoh, Head, Special Duties NIMASA, Engr. Patrick Eigbe; Deputy Director, Special Duties, NIMASA; Mr. Fidelis Owoh and Deputy Director Health Services Unit, NIMASA; Mrs. Abiodun Anthonia in a group photograph with the team from Gambia Maritime Administration, GMA and staff of NIMASA, during a four-day study tour of the delegation from Gambia Maritime Administration to NIMASA.
During the study visit, officials of both agencies exchanged ideas and technical knowledge on key areas, including the issuance of seafarers’ medical certificates, conduct of examinations, issuance of Certificates of Proficiency, and measures designed to enhance the credibility, integrity and international acceptance of Nigeria’s seafarers’ certification system.
Leader of the Gambian delegation and Manager, Ship Registry and Seafarers Affairs at the Gambia Maritime Administration, Mr. Falu Sey, said NIMASA was selected for the study tour because of Nigeria’s remarkable achievements in maritime development, digital transformation and leadership in advancing the Blue Economy.
“We chose NIMASA because of the significant strides Nigeria has made in maritime development and digital transformation. The practical demonstrations and technical sessions have provided valuable insights that will support our efforts to strengthen maritime administration and improve service delivery in The Gambia.
“We are returning home with valuable lessons and a firm commitment to implement the knowledge gained from this visit,” Sey stated.
The visit further reinforces NIMASA’s growing reputation as a maritime centre of excellence in Africa and underscores the Agency’s commitment to regional cooperation, capacity building, digital transformation and the promotion of global best practices in maritime administration. :::
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