The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, enhance regional maritime governance, and promote the sustainable development of the Blue Economy across West Africa.
NIMASA’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, said on Sunday that both maritime administrations would establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) to develop action plans, coordinate implementation and monitor agreed programmes through designated focal persons.
He explained that the JCT would meet twice yearly, with meetings hosted alternately by Nigeria and Ghana to review implementation progress, evaluate cooperation activities and strengthen bilateral engagement.
The MoU is expected to improve maritime governance, strengthen institutional capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking through comparative research, enhance regulatory effectiveness, and reinforce collaborative efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea and maritime terrorism, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the MoU provides a practical framework for deeper collaboration in maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC), institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, comparative research, joint enforcement initiatives and regional cooperation at international maritime forums.
According to him, the partnership must be driven by measurable outcomes through a structured implementation process.
Mobereola expressed appreciation to Ghana for its support during Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council, noting that the longstanding relationship between both countries continues to advance maritime development in the region.
He added: “We will continue to work together to grow our economies and make the maritime sector safer. This Memorandum of Understanding is a commitment to do better. NIMASA will fully play its part in implementing the agreement, while both institutions must establish annual implementation agendas to monitor progress and deliver tangible results.”
He stressed that Nigeria and Ghana, as leading maritime nations in the sub-region, have a shared responsibility to shape the future of maritime development in West and Central Africa, noting that the partnership should generate benefits beyond both countries by fostering regional and sub-regional collaboration capable of unlocking the enormous potential of the Blue Economy.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between both maritime administrations.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in the region, noting that Ghana has, over the years, drawn valuable lessons from several Nigerian maritime initiatives, including the country’s Cabotage regime, ship registry and regulatory frameworks.
Ali said: “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.”
The signing of the MoU underscores the commitment of both maritime administrations to advancing regional integration, improving maritime safety and security, and promoting sustainable economic growth through stronger institutional collaboration.
