The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have signed a new four‑year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a renewed commitment to regional maritime cooperation.
The agreement, concluded at NIMASA Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos, focuses on strengthening collaboration in key areas of mutual growth. These include the mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency to streamline seafarer training and employment, and joint maritime security operations to combat piracy, armed robbery, and terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Director General of GMA, Dr. Kamal‑Deen Ali (Naval Capt Rtd), and the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, signed on behalf of their respective institutions. The MoU also provides for enhanced cabotage enforcement and institutional capacity building through expert exchanges, joint research, and technical conferences.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ali emphasized the regional impact of the pact, noting that lessons drawn from Nigeria’s experience would help build the broader regional economy. He highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in the Gulf of Guinea, where the country handles over 60 percent of vessel traffic.
To ensure effective implementation, a Joint Consultative Team led by designated focal persons will meet bi‑annually, alternating between Accra and Lagos, to drive execution of the agreement.
Officials say the partnership underscores the determination of both countries to safeguard maritime trade routes, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and foster sustainable economic growth across West Africa.
Leave a Reply