NIMASA Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Reforms and Maritime Governance Debunks Concession Claims
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has firmly dismissed recent reports suggesting that it has embarked on the concession of its operations, describing the allegations as baseless and orchestrated by vested interests resistant to the Agency’s ongoing digital transformation.
In a statement issued by the management, NIMASA condemned the publications as “sponsored” and “false,” asserting that they were driven by “external and internal elements who have conspired to benefit from the current porous system.”
The Agency clarified that it is not outsourcing its functions but is instead undertaking sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening regulatory oversight, and boosting government revenue through the deployment of cutting-edge technology.
“At the core of these reforms is the Maritime Enhanced Monitoring System (MEMS), a digital innovation designed to bring transparency, traceability, and accountability to Nigeria’s maritime activities,” the statement noted.
MEMS: Transforming Maritime Oversight
The Maritime Enhanced Monitoring System enables real-time visibility into vessel movements, operational logs, and regulatory engagements. With features such as automated alerts, smart invoicing, and centralized data integration, NIMASA now has the capacity to monitor maritime activities more effectively while minimizing bottlenecks and enforcing compliance with greater precision.
One of the key focus areas for MEMS is waste reception services, a routine yet historically under-monitored segment of port operations. According to NIMASA, the lack of proper tracking mechanisms in this area has led to unaccounted revenue and environmental risks.
“Now, every waste offload from domestic and international vessels will be logged, time-stamped, and automatically billed. This not only secures previously lost revenue streams but also enforces international environmental standards,” the Agency said.
Improved Response to Marine Pollution
Marine pollution control—another crucial area of NIMASA’s statutory mandate—has also received a digital upgrade. The introduction of satellite surveillance, automated incident reporting, and digital logbooks enables the Agency to swiftly detect and respond to pollution events, recover environmental damages, and hold violators accountable both legally and financially.
The statement emphasized that many of the Agency’s historical revenue leakages were the result of “outdated manual processes, fragmented data systems, and insufficient digital enforcement mechanisms,” which allowed exploitation by unscrupulous actors.
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Reform Agenda Aligned with Renewed Hope
The management affirmed that ongoing reforms are firmly in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the broader goals of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. By embracing digitalization and restructuring internal systems, NIMASA says it is positioning itself to deliver on its mandate with transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
“This journey is about safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting the environment, and ensuring that revenues meant for the government no longer end up in private pockets,” the statement read.
Resistance Not New
The Agency further pointed out that its flagship Deep Blue Project—which is now recognized internationally as a model for maritime security—faced similar resistance at its inception. NIMASA urged stakeholders and the general public to disregard the misleading reports and support its transformation drive.
“The Agency remains resolute in its commitment to maritime regulatory excellence, environmental sustainability, and national economic development,” the statement concluded.
