NIMASA, ITC-ILO Partner To Strengthen Maritime Workforce Development In Nigeria
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has entered into a partnership with the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITC-ILO) to enhance human capacity development and improve professional standards within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Turin, Italy, is aimed at strengthening NIMASA’s institutional capacity through technical support, specialised training programmes and capacity-building initiatives for agency personnel and key stakeholders in the maritime industry.
According to a statement issued by NIMASA’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, the partnership aligns with the agency’s commitment to developing a skilled maritime workforce capable of responding to evolving global industry demands.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said investment in human capital remains a critical component of the agency’s strategy to build a safe, competitive and sustainable maritime industry.
Mobereola, who was represented at the signing ceremony by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr Chudi Offodile, noted that the agreement would support structured capacity development programmes for maritime professionals and strengthen the implementation of international maritime labour standards.
He added that the partnership would leverage ITC-ILO’s expertise to improve the capacity of maritime labour inspectors, policymakers and trainers, particularly in the interpretation and enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, as amended.
The NIMASA boss said the initiative would contribute to improved maritime labour administration and promote a globally recognised maritime sector built on safety, professionalism and decent work principles.
Speaking on the partnership, ITC-ILO Director, Mr Christopher Perrin, expressed the Centre’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s human capacity development goals by deploying its expertise, faculty and resources towards the success of the programme.
The agreement followed a series of engagements between both organisations, with NIMASA’s Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr Jibril Abba, and ITC-ILO’s Head of Training, Giuseppe Zefola, serving as focal persons for the collaboration.
The initiative is expected to further position Nigeria’s maritime workforce for greater participation and competitiveness in the global shipping industry.
