NIMASA is a long-standing partner of the World Maritime University, with the Nigerian agency sponsoring 72 officers to pursue education at the global university since 2018.
By Blue Africa News
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Maritime University (WMU), strengthening cooperation in maritime education, training and capacity development.
The ceremony, held at the MWU’s headquarters in Malmo, Sweden on February 27, 2026 saw WMU president professor Maximo Mejia Jr. and NIMASA Director-General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Dayo Mobereola, append signatures on behalf of their respective entities.
NIMASA remains a long-standing partner of WMU, with the agency sponsoring 72 officers to pursue education at WMU since 2018.
According to WMU, the renewed MoU establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests, addressing the evolving needs of the maritime sector and supporting the sustainable development of the country’s maritime industry.
Mejia welcomed the partnership renewal, stating that the institution values its long-standing partnership with NIMASA and the agency’s commitment to building maritime expertise in the West African nation.
“Through education, training and technical cooperation, we look forward to continuing our collaboration as Nigeria continues to advance its maritime sector and role in global maritime governance,” said the WMU president.
Dayo on his part said the collaboration with WMU is a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human resource capacity building.
“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities of the years. Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law and shipping management,” said the NIMASA CEO.
“Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he added in a statement shared by Edward Osagie, NIMASA’s head of public relations.
The renewed MoU runs for four years; 2026 – 2029 under which NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) in Maritime Affairs program in Malmo, with the training covering areas relevant to the agency’s work.
Additionally, the agreement also provides for the annual sponsorship of at least one officer to undertake the joint WMU–International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program in International Maritime Law and Ocean Policy.
The cooperation also includes opportunities for NIMASA staff to participate in WMU’s distance learning programs, enabling maritime professionals to continue their studies while remaining in their professional roles.
Moreover, WMU will develop and deliver tailored Executive Professional Development Courses (EPDCs) and other specialized training programs for NIMASA in areas such as maritime safety and environmental management, international trade and transport, maritime insurance law and practice, and maritime security.
“Beyond education and training, WMU will provide technical assistance to NIMASA to strengthen maritime expertise, including supporting the development of examiners and instructors responsible for the assessment and certification of seafarers, and enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to implement international maritime instruments effectively,” said WMU.
The history of WMU dates back to the early 1980s, when it was recognized within IMO that there was a shortage of well-qualified, highly educated maritime experts, particularly in lesser developed nations, leading to the establishment of the university in 1983 within the framework of the IMO.
The government of Sweden and the City of Malmo provided substantial financial support to set the university’s ball rolling, before other donors and benefactors provided both operating funds and student fellowships, enabling the institution’s first class to be inaugurated on July 04, 1983.
Today, WMU graduates from across the globe are shaping the maritime and ocean sectors. And with shipping being one of world’s oldest industries serving more than 80 per cent of global trade, the IMO, through various training manuals creates a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News