Nigeria, Ghana Formalize Strategic Maritime Partnership With New MoU To Boost Blue Economy
DG NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) and DG GMA, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, displaying the signed MoU after the ceremony at NIMASA Headquarters, Lagos.
Nigeria, Ghana Formalize Strategic Maritime Partnership With New MoU To Boost Blue Economy
By Success Okezie
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, *NIMASA*, and the Ghana Maritime Authority, *GMA*, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to deepen maritime cooperation, strengthen governance in the sub-region, and drive the sustainable development of the Blue Economy across West Africa.
The historic agreement was signed on *July 5, 2026*, at the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of NIMASA, *Dr. Dayo Mobereola*, thanked the Government of Ghana for its support toward Nigeria’s successful re-election to the *IMO Category C Council*. He noted that the relationship between both countries has remained strong and instrumental to the growth of maritime operations in the region.
Dr. Mobereola explained that the MoU establishes a clear and practical framework for collaboration in several strategic areas. These include maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency, institutional capacity development, exchange of technical knowledge, joint research, coordinated enforcement, and unified representation at global maritime forums.
He emphasized that the partnership must go beyond signing and deliver real, measurable impact.
“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. Both institutions must also develop annual implementation agendas to track progress and ensure we achieve tangible results,”_ he said.
The NIMASA DG further stated that Nigeria and Ghana, being leading maritime nations in West and Central Africa, have a joint responsibility to shape the future of the sector. He added that the benefits of this collaboration should extend beyond both nations by encouraging wider regional integration and unlocking the full potential of the Blue Economy.
As part of the agreement, both agencies will constitute a *Joint Consultative Team (JCT)*. The team will be tasked with developing action plans, coordinating implementation, and monitoring all agreed programmes through appointed focal officers.
To maintain momentum, the JCT will meet *twice every year*. Meetings will alternate between Nigeria and Ghana to review implementation status, assess cooperation activities, and further strengthen bilateral relations.
The MoU is projected to deliver the following:
*Improved maritime governance* and regulatory alignment
*Stronger institutional capacity* through training and knowledge transfer
*Evidence-based policymaking* driven by comparative research
*Enhanced enforcement* and joint operations to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism, especially within the Gulf of Guinea.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, *Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali*, described the MoU as a major milestone in the enduring relationship between both maritime administrations.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in the region and noted that Ghana has over the years learned a great deal from Nigerian maritime policies and systems, including the Cabotage regime, ship registration process, 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,”_ Dr. Ali affirmed.
The signing of the MoU reaffirms the commitment of both countries to regional integration, improved maritime safety and security, and sustainable economic prosperity through stronger institutional collaboration.
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*Photo Captions*
*Photo 1:* DG NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) and DG GMA, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, displaying the signed MoU after the ceremony at NIMASA Headquarters, Lagos.
*Photo 2:* L-R: Ms. Georgina Nyadia, Ag. Director, Legal Division, GMA; Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, DG GMA; Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG NIMASA; Mr. Jibril Abba, Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services, NIMASA; Mr. Heaky Dimowo, Director, Legal Services, NIMASA at the MoU signing.
*Photo 3:* L-R: Ms. Georgina Nyadia, Ag. Director, Legal Division, GMA; Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, DG GMA; Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG NIMASA; Mr. Heaky Dimowo, Director, Legal Services, NIMASA at the signing of the MoU.
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