The federal government, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening seafarers’ documentation and maritime digitalisation.

NIMASA disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency said the commitment was highlighted during a four-day study visit by officials of the Gambia Maritime Administration to the agency in Lagos from June 8 to 11.

According to NIMASA, the visit underscores regional collaboration aimed at promoting efficient, secure and globally compliant seafarer certification systems.

He said officials of both agencies reviewed procedures and exchanged operational experiences across various maritime administration units.

NIMASA’s director-general, Dayo Mobereola, said the visit reflected the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Gambia.

Mr Mobereola said such engagements provided opportunities for knowledge sharing and capacity development within Africa’s maritime sector. He noted that mutual learning would enhance regional cooperation and improve competitiveness.

Mr Mobereola added that NIMASA shared its experience in the digitalisation of seafarers’ documentation and certification processes.

According to him, the agency also demonstrated its systems for record management, verification, medical certification, examinations and issuance of Certificates of Proficiency.

Mr Mobereola said the progress recorded in digital transformation and maritime administration was driven by the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola.

The manager of Ship Registry and Seafarers Affairs at the GMA, Falu Sey, who led the delegation, said the agency selected NIMASA because of Nigeria’s achievements in maritime development and digital transformation.

Mr Sey said the technical sessions provided practical insights that would help strengthen Gambia’s maritime administration and service delivery. He added that the delegation would implement the lessons learned upon its return to The Gambia.

The programme ended with the signing of records and group photographs, as NIMASA and the GMA documented the engagement as part of ongoing regional cooperation on seafarers’ documentation and maritime governance. 

(NAN)