By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives of Nigeria has resolved to tighten oversight of the maritime sector, pressing for clearer performance benchmarks as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) prepares its 2026 budget.
During a budget defence session, the Chairman House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Rep. Khadija Abba-Ibrahim, signalled a more rigorous approach, insisting that agencies must match projections with measurable results. 
The committee chair, emphasised that accountability will be central to the review process, warning that weak performance and lack of transparency will no longer be overlooked in submissions from NIMASA and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria.
She stressed that heads of agency must take full ownership of their financial plans and operational targets, noting that the exercise goes beyond routine legislative scrutiny and serves as a critical test of performance.
Figures presented at the session show that NIMASA is projecting gross revenue of about N724 billion in 2026, with expenditure plans spanning recurrent costs, capital projects, maritime security operations, seafarer development and infrastructure upgrades.
While acknowledging the agency’s vital role in securing Nigeria’s waters and supporting maritime trade, lawmakers maintained that expectations must now be tied to tangible outcomes, signalling a shift towards stricter performance-driven oversight.
“This session is an opportunity for the agency to clearly articulate its 2026 roadmap and address pressing concerns—ranging from maritime insecurity to capacity development and operational efficiency,” she said.
The committee demanded comprehensive and data-driven submissions, including details on maritime safety programmes, human capital development, revenue optimisation strategies, and the status of ongoing and proposed capital projects.
Describing the maritime sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic framework, the panel warned that every budgetary allocation must translate into tangible value strengthening security, boosting indigenous shipping capacity, and driving sustainable economic growth.
The lawmakers reaffirmed their readiness to support reforms and policies that will reposition the sector but made it clear that future approvals will be tied to performance, transparency, and impact.
Defending the agency’s projections, Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and efficiency across its operations.
He disclosed that the agency began full automation of its processes and revenue collection systems in 2025, following approval by the Federal Executive Council, with a focus on plugging leakages and improving accountability.
At the centre of the reform is the MOKOSA platform, introduced to ensure that all revenues due to government are properly tracked and remitted.
“We are not just digitising operations—we are securing revenue and enforcing accountability across board,” Mobereola stated.
On the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), the Director-General noted that the long-delayed scheme was relaunched in January and has already drawn interest from about 60 indigenous shipping companies.
He explained that a more stringent, bank-led framework has been put in place to avoid the pitfalls that previously undermined the fund.
“Under the new structure, financial institutions will assess risk and guarantee repayment before any disbursement. This ensures discipline and sustainability,” he explained.
The NIMASA boss added that broader efforts to support local shipowners, including improving access to vessels and essential materials, are underway and expected to gather pace under the reformed arrangement.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s return to the council of the International Maritime Organization after a 14-year absence, describing the development as a major milestone that strengthens the country’s influence in global maritime decision-making.
Despite these assurances, some lawmakers expressed reservations over the timing of the 2026 budget presentation, raising concerns about the absence of a detailed review of the agency’s 2025 performance before considering new proposals.
