BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration on maritime safety through a new framework for data sharing, joint safety investigations and technical cooperation.
The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., to the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
Under the arrangement, both agencies will work together on structured data sharing, capacity building, coordinated safety investigations and enhanced inter-agency cooperation to improve safety across Nigeria’s inland waterways and coastal areas.
The partnership is expected to improve the implementation of safety recommendations arising from maritime accident investigations while promoting safer navigation and stronger compliance with national and international safety standards.
Speaking during the meeting, Captain Badeh said although both organisations have different statutory responsibilities, they share a common goal of improving safety in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“Together, we can close safety loops through data-driven regulations and rigorous safety investigations that yield actionable safety recommendations,” Captain Badeh said.
He noted that the partnership would strengthen collaboration between investigators and regulators, while supporting Nigeria’s engagement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by promoting globally accepted safety standards.
Badeh also congratulated NIMASA on Nigeria’s recent election into Category C of the IMO Council, describing the achievement as a major milestone for the country’s maritime administration and international standing.
In his remarks, NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stressed that collaboration among government agencies is critical to building a safe, secure and sustainable maritime industry.
“The maritime sector is where the future growth of our nation lies,” Dr. Mobereola said.
He added: “One of the key priorities of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is establishing effective collaboration and cooperation. This partnership with NSIB is key to unlocking the full potential of our maritime blue economy while ensuring enhanced safety and security.”
To drive implementation of the agreement, both agencies resolved to establish a joint operational committee that will coordinate information sharing, strengthen investigative capacity, facilitate technical cooperation and improve responses to future maritime incidents.
The collaboration is expected to reinforce the interface between independent accident investigations and maritime regulation as Nigeria intensifies efforts to develop its marine and blue economy.
While the NSIB will continue to independently investigate maritime accidents to determine their causes and issue safety recommendations, NIMASA will maintain its regulatory role of ensuring compliance with national and international maritime safety standards.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
