AMANO Lauds NIMASA's Reforms, Seeks Deeper Collaboration on Seafarer Welfare & Policy Inclusion

The Alumni Association of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO) has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its ongoing reforms, while calling for stronger partnerships to address critical challenges facing Nigerian seafarers.

Leading a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to NIMASA's Lagos headquarters, AMANO President Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa praised the Agency's deployment of an electronic certification platform, describing it as a game-changer that has significantly improved efficiency, transparency, and access for seafarers. He also acknowledged NIMASA's strategic MoUs, which he noted have opened new doors for training, certification, and employment.

The delegation included key AMANO officials: Mr. Agassi Jonathan (Convention Planning Committee Chairman), Mr. Oamien Ailemen (Publicity Secretary), and Ms. Loveth Haruna (Lagos Chapter Chairperson). Also in attendance was Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Director General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, underscoring the broad industry interest in the discussions.

During the meeting, AMANO used the opportunity to push for concrete action on several long-standing industry concerns. President Maiguwa presented a clear list of priorities for sustained engagement:

• Expansion of the NSDP – to accommodate more cadets and create clearer career pathways.
• Greater stakeholder participation – ensuring industry voices shape maritime policies from conception.
• Full STCW implementation – to guarantee global competitiveness and compliance.
• Protection against abandonment – stronger legal and operational safeguards for seafarers at risk.
• Sustainable pension framework – long-overdue retirement security for Nigerian seafarers.
• Enhanced welfare initiatives – improved living and working conditions across the board.

In response, NIMASA Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola assured the delegation that his administration remains open to collaboration, reiterating that associations like AMANO are indispensable partners in building a transparent and globally competitive maritime sector. He affirmed that sustained dialogue would drive the reforms needed to unlock the industry's full potential.

For AMANO and the broader maritime community represented at the meeting, the engagement was not just a courtesy call—it was a strategic push to ensure that as NIMASA modernizes, no seafarer is left behind.