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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has approved the promotion of 243 officers across various cadres, signaling a renewed commitment to staff welfare, professional growth, and improved service delivery in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Governing Board of the agency confirmed the promotions during its latest meeting, elevating nine Deputy Directors to the rank of Directors. In addition, 30 Assistant Directors were promoted to Deputy Directors, 35 Chief Officers advanced to Assistant Directors, and 169 other staff members were elevated from one grade level to the next.
Among the officers promoted to the position of Director are:
Mrs. Moji Jimoh, Coordinator, Abuja Liaison Office
Dr. Odunayo Ani, Director, Internal Audit
Mrs. Nneka Obianyor, Special Adviser to the Director General
Mrs. Biodun Fatade, Director, Procurement
Dr. Oma Ofodile
Ms. Gloria Anyasodo
Mr. Abdulahi Yelwa
Mr. Umar Buba
Mr. Umar Ibrahim Sidi
These appointments are expected to further strengthen NIMASA’s leadership structure, particularly in areas of compliance, procurement, administration, and maritime safety oversight.
Congratulating the newly promoted officers, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reiterated management’s focus on staff development, transparent governance, and a merit-driven promotion system.
According to Mobereola:
“Our administration is committed to improved staff welfare.
This promotion exercise is strictly merit-based, and we expect staff to reciprocate by rededicating themselves to higher productivity.
We will continue to prioritise welfare, while counting on your commitment to the ideals of the agency in helping management actualise its mandate.”
The DG also charged the beneficiaries to view their new positions as opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime operations, enhance security, and drive sustainable growth in line with global best practices.
The mass promotion exercise comes at a critical time when Nigeria is expanding its blue economy agenda and improving compliance with international maritime safety and security standards.
NIMASA plays a central role in enforcing maritime regulations, combating piracy, ensuring marine environmental protection, and driving Nigeria’s aspirations as a major maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
By rewarding excellence and promoting career progression, the agency aims to boost morale, retain skilled professionals, and enhance efficiency in key operations such as:
Vessel monitoring and port state control
Enforcement of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
Maritime training and manpower development
Shipping development and blue economy initiatives
Industry stakeholders have lauded the promotions as a positive step for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to maritime analyst Captain Ime Okon, promotions within regulatory agencies like NIMASA “help reduce bureaucracy, encourage accountability, and motivate officers to deliver on their mandates.”
Similarly, representatives of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) described the promotion exercise as a morale booster that would enhance productivity across NIMASA’s operational departments.
As NIMASA continues to prioritize human capacity development, the agency is expected to align its workforce expansion with Nigeria’s broader maritime reform agenda.
With the recent shutdown of terminals over security breaches and the push to improve compliance, the newly promoted officers are stepping into leadership roles at a pivotal time.
Analysts believe the promotions will translate into stronger enforcement of maritime safety regulations, deeper collaboration with international partners, and more efficient maritime administration in the years ahead.
The promotion of 243 officers not only underscores NIMASA’s commitment to meritocracy but also reflects its determination to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime administration and safety framework.
With enhanced leadership capacity and motivated officers, the agency is better positioned to tackle emerging challenges, safeguard Nigeria’s waters, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development through the maritime sector.