Lagos, Nov. 11, 2025 – Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), says effective Port State Control (PSC) is one of the most potent tools of ensuring global safety and maintenance of environmental standards in shipping.
Mobereola said this in Abuja at a five-day regional train-the trainer workshop on Port State Control (PSC) for member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
He also said the quality of the professionals who implement PSC would determines its overall success.
Mobereola, who was represented by Fatai Adeyemi, the Executive Director (Operations) in NIMASA, described the workshop as a reflection of Africa’s shared commitment to safer, cleaner, and more efficient shipping.
“Your presence here demonstrates our collective resolve to strengthen efficient maritime governance, improve safety standards, and enhance environmental protection across West and Central Africa,” he said.
Mobereola commended the IMO, the Abuja MoU Secretariat, and all technical partners for their continued support towards capacity-building, regional cooperation, and the promotion of maritime safety in Africa.
Captain Ahmed Sewelam, the representative of the IMO, in his goodwill message, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting member states through its technical cooperation programme to strengthen effective and harmonized Port State Control regimes globally.
“Effective regional cooperation and harmonized PSC practices are essential to eliminate substandard shipping and promote consistency across the region,” he said.
Sewelam said the workshop had provided a unique platform for delegates to strengthen their collective capacity as Port States, while discussing key elements such as inspection procedures, reporting, and strategies for improved performance noting that “together, we can strengthen Port State Control implementation and advance maritime safety and sustainability in the region”.
Captain Sunday Umoren, the Secretary General of the Abuja MU, said capacity building remained a top priority of the Abuja MoU.
He said effective flag state control directly influenced the quality of Port State Control operations, emphasizing the importance of strong national systems.
“We must continue to build capacity, strengthen cooperation, and share experiences to ensure that our region maintains high standards of maritime safety and compliance,” he said.
The train-the-trainer workshop represents another milestone in NIMASA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime safety, promote environmental protection, and consolidate Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing regional maritime development.
