Blue Economy
NIMASA, WMU Renew Four-Year Partnership to Train Ten Officers Annually
NIMASA, WMU Renew Four-Year Partnership to Train Ten Officers Annually
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has renewed its capacity development partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, signing a fresh four-year Memorandum of Understanding that commits the agency to sponsoring at least ten officers annually for a postgraduate programme at one of the world’s foremost maritime institutions.
The renewed MoU, covering the 2026–2029 intake period, builds on an earlier agreement first executed in 2022 and extends NIMASA’s investment in maritime human capital through the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU, as well as sponsorship of at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme delivered jointly by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta.
Seated: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola (right) and President of World Maritime University, WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr. Back row: Director, Legal Services, NIMASA, Heaky Dimowo; (2nd right); Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott (3rd right); Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile (4th right); Director, Administration and Human Resources, NIMASA, Moji Jimoh (3rd left); Head of Training, NIMASA, Oluwseun Olufunke and others during the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding, MoU on strategic capacity development between NIMASA and theWorld Maritime University (WMU), in Malmö, Sweden
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NIMASA Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola described the partnership as central to the agency’s capacity development framework, noting that officers trained through the WMU collaboration have strengthened Nigeria’s technical capabilities across maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management. He added that WMU-trained personnel have also bolstered Nigeria’s representation and engagement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other international forums.
Beyond degree programmes, the renewed agreement covers distance learning, executive professional development, research collaboration, and technical assistance spanning maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification, and implementation of international maritime instruments. WMU has also committed to pursuing additional fellowship opportunities from international donors on behalf of qualified NIMASA candidates.
The MoU was endorsed by Dr. Mobereola for NIMASA and by WMU President Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., with NIMASA Executive Director of Finance and Administration Chudi Offodile and WMU Registrar Peter Marriott signing as witnesses.
Established in 1983 under the mandate of the IMO to strengthen global maritime capacity — particularly in developing nations — WMU has since become a globally recognised centre of excellence. Nigeria’s sustained engagement with the university through NIMASA continues to yield a cadre of technically proficient officers driving improvements in national maritime governance and international compliance.