Exploring Maritime and Ocean Research: AFMESI Excursion with the Participants of the WYTEC 2025-2026 Program

AFMESI, under the leadership of Dr. Mrs. Felicia Mogo, recently organized an excursion during the WYTEC program that gave participants the opportunity to experience firsthand two of Nigeria’s most important institutions in the maritime and marine sector. On Tuesday, the team visited the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and on Wednesday, they explored the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR). These visits were not just about touring facilities; they were about connecting participants to the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy and showing how these institutions contribute to national growth.

At NIMASA, participants learned how the agency safeguards Nigeria’s maritime industry by regulating shipping activities, enforcing international safety standards, and facilitating smooth import and export processes. NIMASA also generates significant revenue through tariffs and levies while creating employment opportunities in shipping, logistics, and port operations. Seeing the agency’s work up close gave participants a practical understanding of how maritime safety and regulation directly support economic stability and development.

The visit to NIOMR highlighted the importance of marine research and innovation. NIOMR’s work in fisheries and aquaculture contributes to food security by reducing reliance on imported fish and promoting sustainable practices. By studying marine ecosystems, the institute helps Nigeria balance economic growth with environmental protection, while its technological advancements in aquaculture boost productivity and open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and researchers. Participants were able to see how science and innovation can drive national progress and sustainability.

Educating participants through such excursions is crucial. It raises awareness of the economic potential within the maritime and marine sectors, introduces career pathways in shipping, marine biology, and research, and deepens understanding of the importance of regulation, compliance, and sustainability. More importantly, it inspires innovation and leadership, encouraging participants to think creatively about solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

The AFMESI excursion to NIMASA and NIOMR was therefore more than an academic exercise; it was a transformative experience that highlighted the importance of these institutions in Nigeria’s economy. By exposing participants to their operations, AFMESI is cultivating a generation that values sustainability, innovation, and national progress.

NIMASA Visit on Tuesday