The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and integrity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Chief Executive Officer of MACN, Cecelia Torbrand, gave the commendation when she led a delegation of the network on a courtesy visit to NIMASA in Lagos.
Torbrand said the reforms were contributing to an improved business environment in the maritime sector, while stressing the need for continued collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and other relevant actors to address corruption risks.
She said MACN’s interventions were built around three key pillars: capability building, collective action, and collaboration and a culture of integrity.
According to her, innovative tools, training, compliance resources and partnerships remain critical to achieving sustainable improvements in the fight against corruption in the maritime industry.
Torbrand also urged NIMASA to sustain the reform momentum and document the progress recorded in the sector.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI) and MACN member, Olusoji Apampa, said the reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector deserved greater visibility.
Apampa said the changes were attracting attention across the sub-region, with countries including Ghana and Senegal developing mechanisms influenced by the Nigerian experience.
He described the development as the “Nigerian Miracle”, saying it demonstrated what could be achieved when government and industry stakeholders worked together to address systemic challenges.
Responding, NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Engr Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, appreciated MACN for its continued engagement and contribution to promoting integrity, transparency and accountability in the sector.
Mobereola said NIMASA was ready to deepen its collaboration with MACN to build a more transparent, predictable and efficient maritime environment.
He stressed the importance of data in demonstrating the impact of reforms in the 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 NIMASA DG attributed the progress recorded to the support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola.
He also disclosed plans to further enhance transparency in enforcement operations through the introduction of body cameras for enforcement officers boarding vessels.
According to him, the initiative is expected to improve transparency in interactions between enforcement personnel and operators while promoting more efficient and accountable operations.
Mobereola further called for the replication of successful reforms across maritime administrations in the region, noting that improved transparency could support trade, investment and regional competitiveness.
NIMASA said its reforms were aimed at establishing systems and institutional practices that make transparency and integrity embedded values in the conduct of maritime business in Nigeria.
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