Nigeria has called for stronger international collaboration in the maritime sector to promote innovation, improve shipping safety and efficiency, and advance environmental sustainability.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made the call while representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event in Busan, South Korea.
Mobereola said the global maritime industry must translate discussions and engagements at international gatherings into practical partnerships capable of delivering measurable benefits to participating countries.
He identified improved maritime regulation, professional capacity development, technology exchange and enhanced industry competitiveness as key areas requiring stronger international cooperation.
According to him, Nigeria intends to leverage the opportunities presented by the event to strengthen its maritime regulatory performance, expand opportunities for Nigerian maritime professionals and improve the country’s standing in the global shipping industry.
He noted that these priorities align with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda, which seeks to harness the sector’s potential for economic growth and national development.
The NIMASA chief stressed that sustained international cooperation was essential to addressing emerging challenges in global shipping, promoting innovation and building a maritime industry that is safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible.
Mobereola is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the event, which has brought together maritime leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders to discuss developments affecting the global shipping industry and explore opportunities for strategic partnerships.
Mobereola Meets Former IMO Secretary-General
In a separate engagement on the sidelines of the event, Mobereola met with Kitack Lim, a former Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
During the meeting, the NIMASA director-general expressed appreciation for Lim’s contributions to the development of the global maritime sector during his tenure at the helm of the United Nations specialised agency.
The meeting also underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration among maritime leaders in advancing shared industry objectives and strengthening the global maritime community.
Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening international maritime relations, strengthening professional capacity and leveraging strategic partnerships to unlock opportunities in the marine and blue economy.
The government is seeking to position the sector as a contributor to national development through improved regulatory standards, international cooperation and greater participation of Nigerian professionals in the global maritime industry.
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