NIMASA Moves to Put Enforcement Officers on Camera During Vessel Inspections

By Stella Okocha

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has intensified efforts to deepen transparency, accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime sector, with plans to introduce body cameras for enforcement officers boarding vessels.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the agency’s ongoing reforms were already yielding positive results, stressing that the improvements were aimed at building a more transparent and business-friendly maritime environment.

Mobereola expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far, attributing the gains to the support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.

According to him, the reforms were designed not only to improve regulatory efficiency but also to demonstrate measurable impact in the maritime industry.

Executive Director, Operations, NIMASA; Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; (Right) making a presentation to the CEO Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN); Cecelia Torbrand; when MACN paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Management of NIMASA at the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

The NIMASA boss further disclosed that the agency was considering the deployment of body cameras for enforcement personnel who board vessels as part of measures to strengthen transparency during enforcement operations.

He explained that the initiative would provide a verifiable record of interactions between enforcement officers and vessel operators, while promoting greater accountability and efficiency in the execution of regulatory duties.

“The initiative would provide greater transparency in interactions between enforcement personnel and operators, while also promoting more efficient and accountable operations,” Mobereola said.

The Director General also called for the replication of successful maritime reforms across other maritime administrations in the region, noting that stronger regulatory systems could have a positive impact on trade, investment and regional competitiveness.

He stressed that a transparent and predictable maritime operating environment would create greater opportunities for businesses while strengthening confidence in the sector.

NIMASA has consistently maintained that its reform agenda is focused on developing systems and institutional practices that make transparency and integrity not merely aspirations, but shared values embedded in the conduct of maritime business in Nigeria.

The agency said the ongoing reforms are expected to further strengthen regulatory processes, improve stakeholder confidence and position Nigeria’s maritime sector for increased investment and sustainable growth.