The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral ties, improve regional maritime governance, and promote sustainable development of the Blue Economy in West Africa.
The agreement was announced by NIMASA’s Deputy Director/Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, in a statement obtained by The PUNCH over the weekend.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, NIMASA Director-General Dr Dayo Mobereola thanked Ghana for its support during Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C Council.
He described the longstanding relationship between the two countries as key to advancing maritime development in the region.
Mobereola said the MoU provides a practical framework for enhanced collaboration in areas such as maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency, institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, comparative research, joint enforcement initiatives, and coordinated positions at international maritime forums.
He emphasised the need for measurable outcomes through 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,” Mobereola stated.
He called for annual implementation agendas to monitor progress and deliver tangible results.
The NIMASA DG noted that Nigeria and Ghana, as leading maritime nations in the sub-region, share a responsibility to shape the future of maritime development in West and Central Africa.
He added that the partnership should extend benefits beyond the two countries by fostering broader regional cooperation to unlock the potential of the Blue Economy.
Ghana Maritime Authority Director-General Dr Kamal-Deen Ali described the MoU as a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two administrations.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in the region and said Ghana has benefited from Nigerian initiatives in cabotage, 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,” Ali said.
The agreement includes the establishment of a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) to develop action plans, coordinate implementation, and monitor programmes.
The team will meet twice yearly, with hosting alternating between Nigeria and Ghana.
The partnership is expected to enhance maritime governance, strengthen institutional capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking, improve regulatory effectiveness, and boost joint efforts against piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea.
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