The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have agreed to establish a joint framework for data sharing, safety investigations and technical cooperation aimed at strengthening maritime safety across Nigerian waterways.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., to the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

The framework will focus on improving collaboration between both agencies through structured data sharing, capacity building, coordinated safety investigations and enhanced inter-agency cooperation. It is expected to strengthen the implementation of safety recommendations arising from maritime accident investigations while supporting safer navigation across Nigeria’s inland waterways and coastal domain.

Speaking during the meeting, Captain Badeh noted that although both agencies operate under distinct statutory mandates, they share a common objective of improving safety within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“Together, we can close safety loops through data-driven regulations and rigorous safety investigations that yield actionable safety recommendations,” Captain Badeh said.

He added that the partnership would deepen collaboration between investigators and regulators while supporting Nigeria’s engagement with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) through the promotion of internationally accepted safety standards.

Captain Badeh also congratulated NIMASA on Nigeria’s recent election into Category C of the IMO Council, describing the achievement as a positive development for the country’s maritime administration and international engagement.

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In his remarks, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said effective collaboration among government agencies remains central to achieving a safe and sustainable maritime sector.

“The maritime sector is where the future growth of our nation lies,” Dr Mobereola said.

“One of the key priorities of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is establishing effective collaboration and cooperation. This partnership with NSIB is key to unlocking the full potential of our maritime blue economy while ensuring enhanced safety and security.”

Both agencies agreed to establish a joint operational committee to drive implementation of the framework. The committee will coordinate information sharing, strengthen investigative capacity, facilitate technical cooperation and improve responses to future maritime occurrences.

As Nigeria advances its marine and blue economy agenda, the collaboration is expected to strengthen the interface between independent accident investigation and maritime regulation. While the NSIB will continue to investigate maritime accidents independently to determine causal factors and issue safety recommendations, NIMASA will continue to exercise its regulatory responsibilities in promoting compliance with national and international maritime safety standards.