In a significant step toward strengthening maritime governance across the region, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance the sustainable development of the Blue Economy in West Africa.

The agreement, signed in Lagos, establishes a framework for collaboration on multiple fronts: maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC), institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, comparative research, joint enforcement initiatives, and coordinated positions at international maritime forums.

A key mechanism under the MoU is the creation of a Joint Consultative Team (JCT), which will be responsible for developing action plans, coordinating implementation, and monitoring progress through designated focal persons from both agencies. The JCT is scheduled to meet twice a year, with hosting duties alternating between Nigeria and Ghana.

The partnership places special emphasis on combating piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism — persistent threats in the Gulf of Guinea. Beyond security, it aims to promote evidence-based policymaking and improve regulatory effectiveness across the sub-region.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stressed that the partnership must be driven by measurable outcomes. “This Memorandum of Understanding is a commitment to do better,” he said. “Both institutions must establish annual implementation agendas to monitor progress and deliver tangible results.”

Mobereola also acknowledged Ghana’s support for Nigeria’s re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C Council, noting that the longstanding relationship between both countries continues to drive maritime development across the region.

Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, described the agreement as a milestone in the enduring relationship between the two administrations. He noted that Ghana has drawn valuable lessons from Nigeria’s maritime initiatives, including its cabotage regime, ship registry, and regulatory frameworks.

“The signing of the MoU underscores the commitment of both maritime administrations to advancing regional integration, improving maritime safety and security, and promoting sustainable economic growth through stronger institutional collaboration,” he added.

As two of West Africa’s leading maritime nations, Nigeria and Ghana are positioning this partnership to deliver benefits that extend well beyond their borders — unlocking the enormous potential of the Blue Economy through regional collaboration.