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

The Assistant Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Edward Osagie, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

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

According to him, 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.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Fatai Adeyemi, said the visit reflected the cordial relationship between Nigeria and The 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.

He 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 The 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)