NIMASA Seals 2026 Performance Bond, Reports Major Gains in Maritime Security


 Silvanus Victoria

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, improved performance, and sustainable growth in the maritime sector with the signing of its 2026 Sectoral Performance Bond. The exercise was overseen by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who stressed that performance and accountability remain central to the Federal Government’s expectations.

Speaking during the event, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the Performance Bond as a critical governance instrument designed to ensure measurable results. 

“The Performance Bond is not just a ceremonial document; it is a strategic tool for tracking deliverables, strengthening institutional accountability, and aligning our operations with national priorities,” he said.

Mobereola added that ongoing reforms within the Agency are driven by purposeful leadership and strong ministerial support. “Our reform initiatives are deliberate and targeted. With the support of the Honourable Minister, we are repositioning NIMASA to deliver efficiently and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.

On maritime security, the NIMASA DG disclosed that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters over the past four years. 

According to him, “This milestone is the result of sustained investment in surveillance infrastructure, coordinated patrol operations, and improved inter-agency collaboration. We will continue to build on this progress to ensure Nigeria remains safe for maritime trade and investment.”

He further revealed that the Agency is at an advanced stage of automating its ship registry processes. “Automation of the ship registry will significantly reduce turnaround time, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime business environment,” Mobereola noted. 

“Our goal is to ensure Nigeria’s ship registry more efficient, transparent, and attractive to stakeholders.”
Providing an update on the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), Mobereola said more than 60 applications have been received since the portal was launched in January 2026. “The level of interest we have received demonstrates stakeholders’ confidence in the process,” he said. 

“We are committed to ensuring that disbursement is transparent, credible, and strictly monitored in line with established guidelines.”

He also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to global maritime standards, noting that the country has deposited three conventions with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while three others are awaiting Federal Executive Council approval. “This reflects Nigeria’s determination to align with international best practices and strengthen our position in global maritime governance,” he explained.

The DG. further referenced Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council in November 2025. “Our successful election into the IMO Council restored Nigeria’s voice in global maritime decision-making and reinforced our leadership role within Africa,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister Adegboyega Oyetola reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging the maritime sector for economic diversification and growth. “The maritime sector remains a key pillar in our economic diversification strategy. 

We expect measurable outcomes that will translate into job creation, increased revenue, and improved foreign exchange earnings,” he stated.
The Minister emphasized that the Performance Bonds represent binding commitments. “These Performance Bonds are not symbolic; they are binding commitments that will be closely monitored. Accountability is not optional. Every agency under the Ministry must deliver on its mandate,” Oyetola declared

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