The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Domínguez, says Nigeria’s robust maritime safety frameworks and security facilities reflect a level of preparedness and innovation that aligns with the organisation’s global mission of safe, secure and sustainable shipping.
Domínguez, who was on an official three-day working visit to Nigeria with an extensive tour of major maritime formations in Lagos, underscored the country’s pivotal role in global maritime security, rescue operations and manpower development.
The IMO chief, in the company of the Minister of Marine Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola and other heads of agencies, visited the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic research vessel, NNS Lana, stationed in Apapa.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Gregory Oamen, and the Commanding Officer of NNS Lana, Captain O.S. Giwa, briefed him on the vessel’s operations and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime domain awareness.
Oamen explained that NNS Lana, commissioned in 2021, is a state-of-the-art hydrographic vessel designed to conduct oceanographic and charting surveys within Nigerian and international waters.
He said the ship plays a critical role in enhancing navigational safety, supporting maritime research and providing vital data for oil and gas exploration.
Domínguez commended the Navy’s investment in modern hydrographic capability, noting that such infrastructure strengthens maritime safety and international trade.
The IMO Secretary-General also visited two critical facilities of NIMASA on Kirikiri, Apapa—the Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Centre and the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC).
The Shift Officer, C4I Operation Centre, Lawal Abdulrasak, explained that the C4i Centre is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project that integrates advanced technologies and serves as a hub for maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response coordination.
He said that since its establishment, the centre has significantly contributed to reducing piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, fostering greater safety for international shipping.
Officials at the RMRCC said it coordinates Nigeria’s search and rescue operations across its maritime domain and collaborates with regional and international bodies to enhance safety at sea.
According to them, over the years, it has successfully managed rescue operations for distressed vessels and provided timely interventions that have saved countless lives and assets in Nigerian waters and beyond.
Impressed by the facilities, Domínguez lauded Nigeria’s leadership in securing the Gulf of Guinea and in developing robust maritime safety frameworks, adding that the country’s commitment to maritime security and rescue operations is exemplary.
The IMO chief’s itinerary also included a visit to the Institute of Maritime Studies (IMS) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he toured facilities and interacted with students.
He expressed admiration for Nigeria’s investments in maritime manpower development, particularly commending NIMASA for donating a new building to the institute and for its continued support of capacity-building initiatives in the sector.
Dominguez linked the institute’s focus areas to several ongoing IMO projects, particularly in hydrography, decarbonisation, and digital training, noting that Nigeria’s participation in the Green Voyage 2050 initiative and development of a National Action Plan for Decarbonisation could directly complement the institute’s academic programmes.
“There are areas for us to immediately start working together. You can also start using the e-learning courses that we are producing through the Worldwide Maritime University and IMO,” he added.
On his part, the Minister praised UNILAG for its role in training the next generation of maritime professionals, highlighting the government’s efforts to reposition the marine and blue economy sector as a major revenue earner beyond oil.
“The maritime sector holds immense opportunities for our youths in career growth, entrepreneurship and international engagement. Our goal is to build a new generation of maritime professionals who will drive Nigeria’s transformation as a global maritime hub,” Oyetola said.
Oyetola said the IMO Secretary-General’s visit, which concluded on Saturday, is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s collaboration with the global maritime community and spotlight the country’s strategic efforts in maritime security, research, and manpower development.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA said maritime remains a global driver of trade, economic development, employment among the youths and foreign exchange earnings.
Mobereola explained that the establishment of the institute aligns with NIMASA’s mandate to build human capacity and attract youth participation in the blue economy, adding that the agency would continue to work with the ministry and the university to sustain the initiative.
