Nigeria and Ghana have strengthened bilateral maritime relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing maritime safety, security, institutional capacity and sustainable Blue Economy development across West Africa.
The agreement was signed between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,NIMASA, and the Ghana Maritime Authority in Lagos as part of efforts to deepen regional cooperation and promote efficient maritime sectors.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between two West Africa’s leading maritime nations.
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He appreciated the government of Ghana for its support during Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization Category C Council, stating that the longstanding relationship between both countries will continue to contribute to maritime development in the region.
The Memorandum of Understanding provides a structured framework for cooperation in maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency, capacity building, knowledge exchange, comparative research, joint enforcement operations and coordinated engagement at regional and international maritime platforms.” Dr. Dayo Mobereola explained.
He stressed the importance of translating the agreement into practical outcomes that would strengthen maritime governance and support economic growth across the region.
Annual Work Plans
He explained that both organisations would establish a Joint Consultative Team to coordinate implementation, develop annual work plans and monitor the progress of agreed programmes through regular engagements hosted alternately by Nigeria and Ghana.
“The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both countries towards promoting safer shipping, strengthening regulatory institutions and unlocking the vast opportunities within the Blue Economy,” he said.
The Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the agreement as a significant milestone in longstanding relationships between both maritime administrations.
Maritime regulation
He commended Nigeria’s leadership in maritime administration within the region, saying that Ghana has continued to benefit from Nigeria’s experience in areas such as the Cabotage regime, ship registration and maritime regulation.
“This Memorandum of Understanding consolidates an already mutually beneficial relationship. Ghana remains fully committed to implementing every aspect of the agreement as we continue to learn from one another and work together to strengthen maritime administration across the region,” he said.
Dr. Ali reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding, expressing confidence that closer collaboration will further strengthen maritime administration and regional integration.
The agreement is expected to improve institutional capacity, enhance regulatory effectiveness, support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen cooperation in promoting maritime safety, security and sustainable economic development across West Africa.
NIMASA includes, expanding strategic international partnerships that support maritime growth, strengthen regional cooperation and position Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in Africa.
