The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has praised the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for implementing reforms that have significantly increased transparency and improved the business environment in Nigeria's maritime sector. MACN's Chief Executive Officer, Cecelia Torbrand, made this statement during a courtesy visit to NIMASA in Lagos. The visit provided an opportunity for both organizations to discuss areas of continued collaboration and strategies for further strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrity in Nigeria's maritime sector.
Torbrand emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing corruption risks within the maritime industry, noting that sustainable change requires strong collaboration among government institutions, industry stakeholders, civil society, and other relevant actors. She explained that MACN's work is anchored on three key pillars: Capability Building, Collective Action, and Collaboration/Culture of Integrity. These pillars focus on providing innovative tools, training, and compliance resources, as well as promoting partnerships across the board to address the root causes of maritime corruption.
The MACN CEO commended NIMASA for the reforms undertaken to improve transparency and integrity within the Nigerian maritime space, stressing the importance of sustaining the momentum and documenting the progress being achieved. This progress has not gone unnoticed, as countries including Ghana and Senegal are developing mechanisms inspired by the Nigerian experience. A member of MACN and Chief Executive Officer of the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI), Mr. Olusoji Apampa, described the development as "the Nigerian Miracle," demonstrating what can be achieved when government and industry stakeholders work together to address systemic challenges.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, appreciated MACN's continued engagement and contribution to strengthening conversations around integrity, transparency, and accountability in the maritime sector. He expressed the Agency's readiness to deepen collaboration with MACN towards building a more transparent, predictable, and efficient maritime sector. Mobereola emphasized the importance of data in demonstrating and communicating the progress being made in the maritime sector.
Mobereola attributed the gains recorded in the reforms to the support of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola. He also hinted at efforts to further enhance transparency in enforcement operations, including the introduction of body cameras for enforcement officers who board vessels. This initiative aims to provide greater transparency in interactions between enforcement personnel and operators, while promoting more efficient and accountable operations.
The introduction of body cameras for enforcement officers is part of NIMASA's efforts to leverage technology to improve transparency and accountability in the maritime sector. This move is expected to enhance the credibility of enforcement operations and build trust among stakeholders. By investing in innovative solutions, NIMASA is demonstrating its commitment to transforming the maritime sector and making it more efficient and competitive.
The collaboration between MACN and NIMASA serves as a model for effective partnership between anti-corruption organizations and government agencies. Their joint efforts have contributed significantly to the improvement of Nigeria's maritime sector, and their continued collaboration is expected to yield even greater results in the future. The progress recorded so far is a testament to the power of collective action in driving positive change.
Key points
- The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network commends NIMASA for reforms that have increased transparency and improved the business environment in Nigeria's maritime sector.
- The reforms implemented by NIMASA have attracted attention across the sub-region, with countries including Ghana and Senegal developing mechanisms inspired by the Nigerian experience.
- NIMASA plans to introduce body cameras for enforcement officers to enhance transparency in enforcement operations and promote more efficient and accountable operations.
