Business
NIMASA DG Mobereola: Training Nigerian Seafarers to Repatriate Billions Annually

Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has unveiled strategic plans aimed at elevating Nigerian seafarers to international standards. His vision is to enable these maritime professionals to significantly boost the nation’s economy by repatriating foreign exchange, similar to the $26 billion annual contributions made by seafarers from the Philippines and India.
In a recent press briefing in Lagos, Mobereola expressed confidence in the potential of Nigerian seafarers, stating, “Our young and energetic seafarers are on the verge of gaining substantial opportunities. We recognize the immense benefits that countries like the Philippines and India have enjoyed from their maritime sectors, with seafarers contributing billions to their economies annually.”
Mobereola emphasized that Nigerian cadets are equally capable, noting, “Our cadets, proficient in English and highly skilled, are seeking the right training and certification. The international shipping industry is eager for such talent, and we are committed to preparing our maritime professionals to meet global standards and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
Mobereola also addressed several other critical aspects of the maritime industry, reaffirming NIMASA’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s global maritime standing.
Reviewing the NIMASA Act
The NIMASA Act of 2007 is currently under review, with the new bill encompassing regulations for both blue and black water infrastructures, as well as smaller vessels and boats. The revised legislation aims to mitigate maritime dangers, often caused by smaller boats involved in piracy and sea robberies, by ensuring that every boat in Nigerian waters is properly regulated, registered, and monitored.
Clarifying Misconceptions Among Maritime Agencies
Mobereola acknowledged existing misconceptions between NIMASA, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Shippers’ Council. He emphasized the importance of viewing discussions and critiques as opportunities for industry improvement rather than personal biases. He urged stakeholders to continue evaluating practices against international standards and to provide constructive feedback to enhance collaboration for the benefit of the Blue Economy Ministry and the nation.
Addressing Issues with Nigerian Cadets at Centurion University
Regarding the situation with Nigerian cadets studying at Centurion University, Mobereola stated that a decision on their return has not yet been made. The processes at the university are currently under review to ensure that the students will be well-prepared and employable upon graduation. He emphasized the need for wise investment in their training and assured that updates would be provided as decisions are finalized.
Managing the Modular Floating Dock and the CVFF
Mobereola discussed the ongoing efforts to operationalize the N50 billion modular floating dock, which is expected to generate revenue and support cadet development. Additionally, he addressed the management of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), stressing the importance of avoiding past mistakes and ensuring that future disbursements effectively contribute to the growth of the Nigerian shipping industry.
**Certifying Competency for Nigerian Cadets**
Efforts are underway to finalize agreements with training providers for the Certification of Competency (COC) for Nigerian cadets. Mobereola emphasized that the goal is to provide high-quality training and certification, making Nigerian seafarers competitive on the international stage.
**Progress in Coastal States and Addressing Unpaid Retirees**
Mobereola reported ongoing progress in Bayelsa, with plans to address issues in Delta State soon. He highlighted the importance of tailored solutions for each coastal state and collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enhance safety and reduce vessel capsizing. He also addressed the issue of unpaid retirees, stating that efforts are being made in conjunction with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to expedite payments to those still living.
Business
CBN expresses commitment to FX Code

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Code, stating that its operations align with the principles of the code.
In a statement signed by Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Deputy Governor of Economic Policy Mohammad Abdullahi, and Director of the Financial Markets Department Dr. Omolara Duke, the apex bank emphasized that its decision follows a review of the FX Global Code and recognition that the code represents a set of principles widely acknowledged as good practice in the foreign exchange market.
The statement confirmed that the CBN acts as a regulator to market participants as defined by the code and is committed to overseeing FX market activities in a manner consistent with its principles.
“To this end, the Bank has taken appropriate steps, based on the size and complexity of the FX Market, and therefore aligns its roles with the principles of the Code,” the statement added.
Business
FG launches electronic asset register to boost investment

The Federal Government has launched a national electronic assets register to provide real-time access to information on government-owned assets, aiming to enhance transparency and attract more investments into the country.
The digital registry was introduced by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, during an event that also featured the unveiling of a compendium of FAAC allocations to federal, state, and local governments from 2020 to 2023.
Madein described the initiative as a major milestone in improving public resource management, emphasizing that it is essential for financial sustainability and integrity. She stated that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling public funds and assets.
She noted that giving citizens access to information about public asset management would increase government accountability. “Whether it is infrastructure, equipment, or other public property, every asset must be accounted for,” she said.
The real-time access provided by the digital register is expected to support policy formulation, budgeting, and planning. Madein explained that by having a clear understanding of the government’s assets and their conditions, policymakers can make more informed decisions on resource allocation, investment management, and potential privatisation or public-private partnerships (PPPs) for underutilized assets.
She added that the initiative also aligns with international best practices, supporting Nigeria’s adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). These standards will help strengthen the credibility and integrity of the country’s financial statements.
On the compendium of FAAC allocations, Madein stated that it provides a detailed breakdown of revenue distribution to the three tiers of government and serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and the general public.
Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Aniete, who officially unveiled the compendium, praised the Accountant General’s efforts in promoting transparency and accountability. She described the electronic asset register as an important tool that will help determine the real value of Nigeria’s assets and create opportunities for local and foreign investment.
Business
Tariff increase will push available power generation to 7,000MW — Minister

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the proposed electricity tariff increase will help boost Nigeria’s available power generation capacity to 7,000 megawatts (MW). This comes after the country recorded its highest-ever available power generation of 6,003MW and a peak evacuation of 5,801.84MW last week.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized that tariff regularization is crucial for unlocking the sector’s full potential and sustaining ongoing improvements in power generation and distribution.
“To sustain these improvements, the government would have to pay down the tariff shortfalls of N1.94 trillion for 2024 and address legacy debts of N2 trillion to the GENCOs,” the minister said. He added that continued tariff reforms are necessary to ensure that consumers start paying for the energy they consume.
Adelabu reiterated the government’s intention to raise electricity tariffs for customers in Bands B, C, and D as part of efforts to enhance the sector’s liquidity and reduce subsidy obligations. The planned tariff hike is expected to narrow the gap between Band A customers—who currently pay higher rates—and those in lower bands.
The minister noted that Nigeria recently set another milestone with a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), attributing these achievements to ongoing reforms and infrastructural upgrades in the sector.
“We are thrilled to announce these historic milestones in Nigeria’s power sector,” Adelabu stated. “These achievements represent a brighter future where businesses can thrive, households can enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and the economy can grow sustainably.”
According to the minister, recent improvements result from collaborative efforts by the Federal Ministry of Power and key stakeholders to address longstanding challenges in the sector. These include the rehabilitation and upgrading of transmission and distribution networks, implementation of innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, and policy reforms aimed at improving accountability and sustainability.
While celebrating these milestones, Adelabu called for continued support from state governments, private sector stakeholders, and the general public. He stressed the need for collective action to sustain the momentum and build upon the progress made.
With power generation at a record high and tariff reforms on the horizon, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria’s electricity supply will see lasting improvements, ensuring stable and reliable power for businesses and households nationwide.
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