NIMASA Elevates WISTA Nigeria President Among Nine Senior Staff to Director Rank

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has promoted nine Deputy Directors to Director-level positions, including Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria President Dr. Odunayo Ani. The promotions, ratified by the Agency’s Governing Board, take immediate effect.

Dr. Ani assumes the role of Director of Internal Audit. She is joined by eight colleagues: Mrs. Moji Jimoh (Coordinator, Abuja Liaison Office), Mrs. Nneka Obianyor (Special Adviser to the Director General), Mrs. Biodun Fatade (Director of Procurement), Dr. Oma Ofodile, Ms. Gloria Anyasodo, Mr. Abdulahi Yelwa, Mr. Umar Buba, and Mr. Umar Ibrahim Sidi.

The promotions extend across multiple tiers: 30 Assistant Directors advanced to Deputy Director, 35 Chief Officers to Assistant Director, and 169 staff across various grades. Over 240 personnel benefited from this exercise.

Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola congratulated the promoted officers, reaffirming NIMASA’s commitment to merit-based advancement: “This reward for hard work is equally a call to higher service. We expect excellence in justifying this confidence.” He emphasized staff welfare as an institutional priority.

Industry observers note Dr. Ani’s elevation underscores NIMASA’s commitment to gender-inclusive leadership, strengthening female representation in maritime decision-making roles. The promotions align with broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency and workforce motivation.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola