NIMASA, Mission to Seafarers strengthen partnership
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian seafarers through stronger collaboration with maritime stakeholders.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, gave the assurance while receiving officials of the Mission to Seafarers (MtS) on a courtesy visit to the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
The delegation comprised the Chairman of the Management Committee, Mission to Seafarers Lagos, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, and the Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Africa, Rev. Cedric Rautenbach.
Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Mr Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, said the agency remained committed to policies that promote seafarers’ welfare and professional development.
He said NIMASA would continue to improve certification processes, expand capacity development and implement policies that enhance the wellbeing of Nigerian seafarers.
According to him, collaboration with organisations such as the Mission to Seafarers is vital to ensuring adequate support for seafarers both at sea and while in port.
“NIMASA remains committed to improving the welfare of seafarers through enhanced certification processes, capacity development and policies that promote their wellbeing and professional advancement,” he said.
Sarumi commended NIMASA’s reforms in the maritime sector and appreciated the agency for receiving the delegation.
He said the Mission to Seafarers remained committed to providing welfare, pastoral care and practical support to seafarers across the world.
Sarumi expressed confidence that stronger collaboration with NIMASA would further improve the welfare of maritime professionals in Nigeria.
Rautenbach said the Mission to Seafarers and the Port Welfare Committee shared the common goal of improving seafarers’ welfare, although they operated under different mandates.
He said closer collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen support systems available to seafarers calling at Nigerian ports.
The meeting also reviewed issues relating to seafarers’ welfare, decent working conditions and other areas of mutual cooperation.
NIMASA said it would continue to safeguard the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, and international best practices.
The agency added that sustained stakeholder engagement and effective regulatory oversight remained central to protecting seafarers’ rights and promoting decent work in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
