The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing maritime digitalisation and strengthening seafarer documentation systems, as it hosted officials of the Gambia Maritime Administration on a four-day study visit focused on certification and regulatory best practices.
The visit highlighted growing regional cooperation aimed at building efficient, secure and globally compliant seafarer certification systems across Africa. Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, the agency’s Executive Director of Operations, Fatai Adeyemi, described the engagement as a testament to the strong relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia and a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building.
He said NIMASA was pleased to share its experience in digitalising seafarers’ documentation and certification processes, noting that the visit reflected international recognition of Nigeria’s progress in maritime administration and human capital development. “There is always something to learn from one another.
Such engagements strengthen regional cooperation and help build a more efficient and globally competitive maritime sector across Africa,” Adeyemi said. He attributed much of NIMASA’s progress in digital transformation and maritime administration to the policy direction and support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
During the visit, officials from both agencies exchanged ideas on the issuance of seafarers’ medical certificates, examinations, Certificates of Proficiency and measures designed to enhance the credibility and international acceptance of certification systems.
Leader of the Gambian delegation and Manager of Ship Registry and Seafarers Affairs at the GMA, Falu Sey, said NIMASA was chosen because of Nigeria’s achievements in maritime development, digital transformation and Blue Economy initiatives. According to him, the practical demonstrations and technical sessions provided valuable insights that would support efforts to strengthen maritime administration and improve service delivery in Gambia.