The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation, improving regional security, and promoting the sustainable development of the Blue Economy across West Africa.
The agreement is expected to enhance maritime governance, strengthen institutional capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking through comparative research, improve regulatory effectiveness, and deepen collaboration in tackling piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.
According to a statement by NIMASA's Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, both maritime agencies will establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) to coordinate implementation of the agreement, develop action plans, and monitor progress through designated focal persons.
The JCT is scheduled to meet twice yearly, with Nigeria and Ghana hosting the meetings alternately to review implementation, assess cooperation programmes, and strengthen bilateral engagement.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lagos, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the MoU as a practical framework for expanding cooperation in maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC), institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, comparative research, joint enforcement operations, and collaboration at international maritime forums.
Mobereola stressed the importance of ensuring that the partnership delivers measurable outcomes through a structured implementation process, noting that Nigeria and Ghana, as leading maritime nations in the sub-region, have a shared responsibility to drive maritime development across West and Central Africa.
He said the collaboration should extend beyond the two countries by fostering regional partnerships capable of unlocking the vast economic potential of the Blue Economy.
"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," Mobereola said.
The NIMASA chief also commended Ghana for supporting Nigeria's successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council, describing the longstanding relationship between both countries as instrumental to advancing maritime development in the region.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the agreement as a major milestone in the longstanding partnership between both maritime administrations.
He acknowledged Nigeria's leadership within the regional maritime sector, noting that Ghana has benefited from Nigeria's experience in areas such as the cabotage regime, ship registry, and regulatory frameworks.
According to Ali, the MoU formalises an already productive relationship and reflects Ghana's commitment to implementing every aspect of the agreement while working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime administration across West Africa.
He added that the partnership underscores the commitment of both countries to promoting regional integration, improving maritime safety and security, and driving sustainable economic growth through stronger institutional collaboration.
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