NIMASA, UNILAG Business School Move To Strengthen Maritime Research Partnership

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Business School are exploring a partnership aimed at advancing research, innovation and capacity development in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector.

The proposed collaboration was discussed during a study tour by Executive PhD and Master’s students of the UNILAG Business School to NIMASA’s headquarters. The delegation was led by the Associate Professor of Transport Planning and Logistics and Programme Coordinator of the Doctor of Urban Logistics and Transport Planning, Dr. Olayinka Agunloye.

Speaking during the visit, the Director of NIMASA’s Cabotage Services Department, Ms. Gloria Anyasodo, described the engagement as a strategic initiative, stressing that research is essential to sustainable development in the maritime industry.

She said the agency remains committed to working with academic institutions and other stakeholders to identify industry gaps and develop practical solutions through research.

Anyasodo also disclosed that NIMASA is prioritising capacity building and digital transformation to improve efficiency across the maritime sector. According to her, the agency is deploying the Maritime Enhanced Monitoring System (MEMS), a digital platform that will integrate existing systems to enable real-time monitoring of vessels, cargoes and maritime activities.

She explained that MEMS is part of NIMASA’s preparations for the Federal Government’s National Single Window project and is expected to enhance transparency, reduce human interface and simplify regulatory processes.

“What causes corruption is a lot of physical interface. With digitalisation, people can process applications, make payments and monitor transactions online without unnecessary contact,” she said.

Anyasodo identified the high cost of maritime infrastructure as one of the major challenges facing the sector but noted that sustained collaboration between government, industry stakeholders and academic institutions would help address policy and operational gaps.

Earlier, Dr. Agunloye said the visit formed part of the university’s annual industry study tour designed to expose participants to practical experiences across key sectors of the economy.

He noted that the students had previously visited organisations including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Breweries, Chevron and Dangote, describing their engagement with NIMASA as insightful.

According to him, the knowledge gained during the visit would enable participants to contribute more effectively to logistics and supply chain operations within their respective organisations.

Agunloye added that emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, would play a significant role in transforming Nigeria’s logistics and maritime industry.