The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITC-ILO) to strengthen sustainable investment in human capacity development within the maritime sector. The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Turin, Italy, as announced in a statement by NIMASA's Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward.
Objectives of the MoU
The MoU is designed to bolster NIMASA's institutional capacity by providing targeted technical assistance, comprehensive training programmes, and capacity-building initiatives for the agency's staff and other key stakeholders in Nigeria's maritime industry. This collaboration aims to equip professionals with the skills needed to meet evolving global industry standards.
NIMASA's Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised that investing in human capacity development is central to the agency's vision of building a robust maritime industry capable of addressing emerging global demands. Represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Chudi Offodile, Mobereola noted that the partnership aligns with NIMASA's deliberate objective of implementing structured capacity-building programmes for maritime professionals.
Leveraging ITC-ILO Expertise
According to Mobereola, the partnership directly advances this objective and reinforces the agency's commitment to targeted capacity development. It also leverages ITC-ILO's global expertise and reputation to strengthen the capabilities of maritime labour inspectors, policymakers, and trainers in interpreting and implementing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, as amended.
Highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration, Mobereola stated that NIMASA is committed to ensuring that the knowledge, systems, and partnerships developed through the initiative translate into measurable improvements in maritime labour administration. He added that the collaboration would support the development of a globally respected, professionally driven, and safe maritime sector firmly anchored on the principles of decent work.
Commitment from ITC-ILO
Mr. Christopher Perrin, Director of the ITC-ILO, expressed appreciation for the partnership and assured that the Centre would deploy its faculty and resources to support Nigeria's quest for sustainable human capacity development. The MoU is the outcome of several interactions and strategic meetings between the two organisations.
Key focal persons for the partnership include NIMASA's Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba, and ITC-ILO's Head of Training, Giuseppe Zefola. The Regional Adviser and Technical Expert at ILO, Dr. Amos Kuje, provided valuable guidance throughout the process.
