By Prime Time News
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation, enhancing regional maritime governance and unlocking the vast economic potential of the Blue Economy in West Africa.
The agreement, signed in Lagos, is expected to deepen collaboration between the two maritime institutions in the areas of maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC), institutional capacity building, comparative research, knowledge sharing, joint enforcement operations and regional engagement at international maritime fora.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the MoU as a practical framework for stronger cooperation between both countries and a renewed commitment to safer waters and sustainable economic growth in the sub-region.
Mobereola expressed appreciation to Ghana for its support during Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C Council, noting that the longstanding relationship between the two countries has continued to advance maritime development in the region.
He stressed that the success of the agreement would depend on measurable outcomes and a structured implementation process.
“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 said.
According to him, Nigeria and Ghana, as leading maritime nations in West Africa, share a common responsibility to shape the future of maritime development in the region and drive cooperation capable of unlocking the enormous opportunities within the Blue Economy.
Under the agreement, both maritime administrations are to establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) to coordinate implementation, develop action plans and monitor agreed programmes through designated focal persons. The team will meet twice annually, with meetings to be hosted alternately by Nigeria and Ghana.
The MoU is also expected to strengthen institutional capacity, improve maritime governance, promote evidence-based policy formulation through comparative research, and reinforce joint efforts against piracy, armed robbery at sea and maritime terrorism, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
In his remarks, Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the agreement as a major milestone in the relationship between the two maritime administrations.
He commended Nigeria’s leadership in the regional maritime sector, noting that Ghana had over the years drawn lessons from several Nigerian initiatives, including the Cabotage regime, ship registry and regulatory frameworks.
“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.
The agreement underscores the determination of both countries to advance regional integration, improve maritime safety and security and promote sustainable economic growth through stronger institutional collaboration.