Mobereola’s One Year of Momentous, Result-Orientated Leadership at NIMASA

His appointment in March 2024 heralded a big industry expectation. As John Ruskin, a leadership authority, once wrote: “What we think or believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only thing of consequence is what we do.” That summarises Dr Anthony Ekundayo Mobereola’s one-year tenure at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), ingraining a management style of less noise and more work while taking on the challenge of strengthening maritime safety, enhancing shipping development, and positioning Nigeria’s blue economy for sustainable growth.

As a technocrat with a pedigree and a reputation for delivering goals, the NIMASA helmsman has stylishly pierced his mandate with fewer distractions and seeks neither the adulations nor vain glory awards common in the industry. He is more focused on building a legacy that fulfils the core mandate of NIMASA. Consequently, his tenure has been characterised by a string of strategic reforms and policy initiatives that further espouse the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For him, achieving authority and leadership starts with having a strong will. His goal was to align his actions with the intentions and mandate of the organisation.

A multitude of stakeholders warmly welcomed him to the sector, assuring them of his listening ears and consultative approach. He addressed his staff in a discerning way because he knows the importance of their contributions to the delivery of his lofty ideas and is conscious that people want to be treated exactly the way you would want them to treat you. Thus far, his style and approach have been a source of motivation for the staff and management in the organisation, where he treats them as his associates towards a defined goal.

In one year, he has implemented decisive actions that have set NIMASA on a transformative path and taken several steps forward. A key deliverable under his leadership has been the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to drive maritime infrastructural development. His philosophy, which drives his pragmatic moves, leverages private sector investment as a catalyst for building a more resilient and competitive maritime industry. His long-term experience as a World Bank consultant leaves him with no other choice.

This approach has encouraged new investments in shipyard development, port efficiency, and maritime logistics, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a strategic hub in Africa’s maritime landscape. Recently, the United States Coast Guard commended the progress in implementing the International Ships and Ports Facility Security Code. Furthermore, NIMASA has strengthened collaborations with security agencies to curb illicit activities in Nigerian waters. In a landmark initiative, the agency partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat drug trafficking. By enhancing surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms, this collaboration has significantly improved maritime security, ensuring safer and more regulated waterways for legitimate trade and investment.

Another milestone under Dr Mobereola’s leadership at NIMASA is the agency’s proactive approach to seabed mining regulations. Recognising the vast economic potential of seabed resources, NIMASA has initiated the development of a regulatory framework to guide sustainable exploration and exploitation. This move is expected to unlock new revenue streams for Nigeria while ensuring environmental sustainability in maritime resource management.

In addition, NIMASA has continued to enhance its cabotage enforcement, ensuring that Nigerian-owned vessels benefit from coastal trade opportunities. Dr Mobereola’s administration has intensified monitoring efforts to ensure compliance with local content laws and demonstrated a commitment to repositioning NIMASA as a key driver of Nigeria’s maritime economy. His strategic reforms, partnerships, and policy interventions have ensured that Nigeria’s maritime sector is not only secure but also demonstrated a commitment to repositioning NIMASA as a key driver of Nigeria’s maritime economy and poised for long-term growth and global competitiveness. Potentially, these moves will unlock new revenue streams for Nigeria while ensuring environmental sustainability in maritime resource management.

Under his leadership and in collaboration with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaka Oyetola, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is actively campaigning for Nigeria to gain a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, seeking the support of member states of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA). The IMO Category-C refers to 20 states not elected under categories A or B that have interests in maritime transport or navigation. It ensures the representation of all major geographic areas. If elected, Nigeria will be returning to the IMO Category-C Council after 20 years since its last successful membership in 2005 and after three unsuccessful bids between 2011 and 2019.

As he climbs to the second level of his mandate ladder, the unassuming is poised to do more for NIMASA, and all we can do is wish him a more superlative performance that will leave a lasting legacy for the organisation.