By Tunde Ojudun
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has renewed its collaboration with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, through a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on development in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Under the agreement, NIMASA will sponsor a minimum of ten officers annually for WMU’s 14‑month Master of Science programme between 2026 and 2029. In addition, at least one officer per year will be supported for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.
At the signing ceremony, NIMASA Director‑General Dr. Dayo Mobereola described the partnership as a cornerstone of the Agency’s human capital development strategy and a vital investment in Nigeria’s maritime future. He emphasized that WMU‑trained officers have already enhanced NIMASA’s technical and regulatory capacity, improving maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management. Their expertise has also strengthened Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other global maritime platforms.
The renewed MoU, originally signed in 2022, extends beyond postgraduate sponsorships. It includes distance learning programmes, executive professional development courses, joint research initiatives, and technical assistance. WMU will also seek additional fellowships from international donors to expand opportunities for qualified NIMASA candidates.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Mobereola on behalf of NIMASA and Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., President of WMU. Witnesses included NIMASA’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile, and WMU Registrar, Peter Marriott.
Established in 1983 by the IMO, WMU’s mandate is to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing nations. Nigeria has benefited significantly from this collaboration, with NIMASA officers contributing to improved maritime governance and stronger international engagement.