The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening bilateral maritime cooperation, strengthening regional maritime governance, and advancing the sustainable development of the Blue Economy in West Africa.
The agreement, signed in Lagos, provides a framework for collaboration in maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC), institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, comparative research, joint enforcement operations, and coordinated engagement at international maritime forums.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended Ghana for supporting Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council, describing the gesture as a reflection of the enduring partnership between the two countries.
He stressed that the MoU must translate into concrete results 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. 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 boss noted that as two of West Africa’s leading maritime nations, Nigeria and Ghana have a shared responsibility to shape the future of maritime development in the region. He added that the partnership should extend beyond both countries by fostering wider regional cooperation capable of unlocking the vast potential of the Blue Economy.
L-R: Ag. Director, Legal Division, Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Ms. Georgina Nyadia; Director General, GMA Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr. Jibril Abba; Director, Legal Services Department, NIMASA, Mr. Heaky Dimowo at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIMASA and the GMA at the headquarters of NIMASA in Lagos
To ensure effective implementation, both agencies will establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) responsible for developing action plans, coordinating programmes, and monitoring progress through designated focal persons. The team will meet twice annually, with meetings rotating between Nigeria and Ghana.
The partnership is expected to strengthen maritime governance, enhance institutional capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking through comparative research, improve regulatory effectiveness, and reinforce joint efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the MoU as a major milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two maritime administrations.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in the region, noting that Ghana has benefited from Nigeria’s experience in key maritime 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,” Ali said.
The agreement underscores the commitment of both countries to promoting regional integration, enhancing maritime safety and security, and driving sustainable economic growth through stronger institutional collaboration across West Africa.
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