The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced a major shake-up in its management structure, marking a new phase in its drive for greater efficiency, accountability, and performance within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The strategic reshuffle, which affects 56 management staff, comes as part of deliberate reforms introduced by the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, to strengthen inter-departmental collaboration and reposition the Agency for optimal service delivery.
Dr. Mobereola described the redeployment exercise as a “strategic move to inject new energy into the system,” adding that NIMASA’s vision of driving a sustainable and competitive maritime economy requires continuous adjustment and innovation.
He explained that the maritime industry remains central to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, and as such, the Agency must operate at peak efficiency to deliver on its core mandate of safety, regulation, and development of the maritime domain.
Under the new structure, several key appointments have been made to head critical directorates across the Agency. Hajia Moji Jimoh now leads as Director, Administration and Human Resources, while Aishatu Jidda takes charge of Planning, Research and Data Management Services.
Others include Barrister Heaky Dimowo, who assumes office as Director, Legal Services and Board Secretary, and Mr. Isichei Osamgbi, who now heads SERVICOM — the Agency’s service compact unit. Mrs. Olubusola Obasanjo-Akande takes over as Director of the Western Zonal Office, a critical hub in Nigeria’s maritime operations.
In addition, Engr. Christopher Amakulo has been appointed Director, Special Duties, while Ms. Gloria Anyasodo becomes Director, Cabotage Services — a department central to promoting indigenous participation in coastal shipping.
The list also features Salihu Abdullahi Yelwa, who now heads Shipping Development; Mrs. Nneka Obianyor, Director, Reforms Coordination and Blue Economy; Umar Ibrahim Sidi, Director, Maritime Labour Services; and Dr. Oma Ofodile, Director, Marine Environment Management.
Others affected in the shake-up include Mr. Buba Umar, who now oversees the Abuja Zonal Office, and Mr. Ahmed Shittien, who has been appointed Special Adviser (Technical) to the Director General.
Dr. Mobereola, while addressing senior staff on the development, urged the newly redeployed directors to embrace teamwork and innovation, noting that their collective leadership would determine how fast the Agency moves toward its strategic objectives.
He emphasized that the exercise was not merely administrative, but a reflection of NIMASA’s commitment to revitalizing its internal processes and aligning them with international best practices in maritime governance.
According to the DG, “We are building a NIMASA that is proactive, knowledge-driven, and responsive to the changing dynamics of global maritime operations. Every officer must see this as an opportunity to contribute to a stronger, more efficient institution.”
Industry observers have commended the move, describing it as timely, given the expanding scope of Nigeria’s blue economy and the need for a cohesive management structure that can translate policy into measurable outcomes.
With the redeployment now in effect, expectations are high that the new leadership mix will bring fresh ideas, foster collaboration, and accelerate the pace of maritime reform and innovation across the Agency’s departments.
For NIMASA, this reshuffle represents more than a management adjustment — it is a signal of renewed determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime administration into a model of efficiency, transparency, and sustainable growth.
