Nigeria and Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening maritime security and safety, deepening regional cooperation, and unlocking the economic potential of the Blue Economy across West Africa.
The agreement, signed between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) in Lagos, provides a framework for closer collaboration on maritime governance, capacity building, regulatory enforcement, and anti-piracy operations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both countries to building a safer and more prosperous maritime sector while reinforcing regional integration.
He thanked Ghana for supporting Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council, describing the gesture as a testament to the strong relationship between both countries.
Mobereola explained that the MoU covers key areas including maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC), institutional capacity development, knowledge exchange, comparative research, joint enforcement initiatives and collaboration at regional and international maritime forums.
According to him, the agreement goes beyond signing a document and must be implemented through clearly defined programmes with measurable outcomes.
“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.
He noted that as two of West Africa’s leading maritime nations, Nigeria and Ghana have a responsibility to shape the future of maritime development across the sub-region, adding that stronger collaboration would help unlock the vast opportunities within the Blue Economy.
To drive implementation, both agencies will establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) comprising designated focal persons from each country. The team will meet twice annually, with meetings rotating between Nigeria and Ghana, to coordinate action plans, review progress and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The agreement is expected to improve maritime governance, enhance institutional capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking through comparative research, strengthen regulatory effectiveness and intensify joint efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea and maritime terrorism, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.
Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the MoU as another milestone in the longstanding partnership between both countries.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in maritime administration, noting that Ghana has drawn valuable lessons from Nigeria’s 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 strengthen maritime security and safety, improve regional maritime governance and drive sustainable economic growth through enhanced collaboration in the Blue Economy.
