The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed the indispensable role of engineering professionalism in driving the nation’s maritime infrastructure and the broader Blue Economy agenda.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, made this assertion during a high-level meeting with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) led by its President, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, at the agency’s Lagos headquarters.
Dr. Mobereola emphasised that sustainable maritime development in Nigeria hinges on the expertise, discipline, and innovation of professional engineers.
“Engineering professionalism is the bedrock of safe, resilient, and modern maritime infrastructure.
Our ports, waterways, and maritime facilities require top-tier technical know-how to ensure Nigeria harnesses the full potential of its Blue Economy,” Mobereola said.
He also assured the NSE of NIMASA’s commitment to fostering deeper collaboration, aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are focused on creating platforms where engineers’ expertise directly contributes to the efficiency, safety, and technological advancement of our maritime sector,” he added.
For her part, Engr. Oguntala highlighted NSE’s alignment with the government’s Blue Economy initiatives. She stressed that engineering solutions are critical to unlocking economic growth from Nigeria’s maritime resources.
“The NSE is committed to collaborating with NIMASA to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that will transform Nigeria’s marine and maritime infrastructure.
Our shared vision will enhance operational efficiency, boost local capacity, and attract both domestic and foreign investment into the sector,” Oguntala said.
The engagement marks a continuation of NIMASA’s efforts to integrate professional expertise into strategic maritime development.
It also signals the agency’s recognition of the engineering community as a vital partner in modernising Nigeria’s ports, shipping facilities, and inland waterways.
NIMASA’s push for engineering-led development aligns with the Federal Government’s Blue Economy mandate, which seeks to leverage Nigeria’s maritime resources for economic diversification, job creation, and trade expansion.
Experts believe that enhanced engineering input will improve port efficiency, safety standards, and the adoption of advanced technologies, such as automated cargo handling systems and environmentally sustainable vessel design.
Engr. Oguntala noted that Nigeria’s marine sector presents enormous opportunities in shipbuilding, port expansion, dredging projects, and inland waterways development.
Strengthened collaboration between NIMASA and NSE is expected to encourage knowledge transfer, skills development, and the local manufacturing of maritime infrastructure components.
“The synergy between government agencies and engineering professionals is crucial to transforming Nigeria’s maritime landscape,” she said.
“With professional oversight and adherence to international standards, we can ensure safer navigation, modernised port facilities, and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.”
Despite the sector’s potential, maritime development in Nigeria faces persistent challenges, including inadequate technical capacity, poor maintenance of port facilities, and limited adoption of advanced engineering practices.
NIMASA and NSE’s partnership aims to bridge these gaps, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently, sustainably, and with long-term economic impact.
Analysts argue that leveraging professional engineering expertise will also enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), by reducing operational bottlenecks and improving port turnaround times.
It will enable Nigerian ports to handle larger vessels, streamline logistics, and reduce cargo delays, thereby attracting global shipping lines.
The meeting concluded with both NIMASA and NSE pledging to deepen collaboration, focusing on research, capacity building, and infrastructure innovation.
The agencies also emphasised the need for policy support, increased funding, and public-private partnerships to accelerate maritime sector transformation.
Dr. Mobereola stated, “Engineering excellence is not optional—it is a strategic imperative for Nigeria to secure its place as a leading maritime nation.
With the NSE as a partner, we are confident in achieving a modern, safe, and competitive maritime industry that will drive economic growth and national prosperity.”
As Nigeria positions itself as a hub for maritime trade and blue economy activities, the renewed focus on engineering professionalism represents a critical step in modernising ports, waterways, and maritime services, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainable economic development for decades to come.