NSIB, NIMASA collaborate on Maritime safety, data sharing

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have agreed to deepen collaboration on maritime safety through a joint framework for data sharing, accident investigations, and technical cooperation.

The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of 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 collaborate on structured data sharing, coordinated safety investigations, capacity building and technical cooperation aimed at improving safety across Nigeria’s inland waterways and coastal domain.

Speaking during the meeting, Badeh said although both agencies have different statutory responsibilities, they share a common goal of enhancing safety in the nation’s maritime sector.

According to him, the partnership will strengthen collaboration between investigators and regulators through data-driven safety initiatives.

“Together, we can close safety loops through data-driven regulations and rigorous safety investigations that yield actionable safety recommendations,” he said.

He added that the collaboration would also support Nigeria’s engagement with the International Maritime Organization, IMO, by promoting globally accepted safety standards.

Badeh further congratulated NIMASA on Nigeria’s recent election into Category C of the IMO Council, describing it as a significant milestone for the country’s maritime administration and international standing.

On his part, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described inter-agency collaboration as critical to the development of a safe, secure and sustainable maritime industry.

“The maritime sector is where the future growth of our nation lies,” Mobereola said.

He noted that one of the major priorities of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is to deepen collaboration among government agencies to unlock the full potential of the nation’s blue economy while ensuring safety and security.

Both agencies also agreed to establish a joint operational committee to coordinate the implementation of the partnership. The committee will oversee information sharing, strengthen investigative capacity, facilitate technical cooperation and improve responses to future maritime incidents.

The collaboration is expected to enhance the relationship between independent accident investigation and maritime regulation as Nigeria intensifies efforts to grow its marine and blue economy. While NSIB will continue to independently investigate maritime accidents and issue safety recommendations, NIMASA will retain its regulatory role of enforcing compliance with national and international maritime safety standards.