Ghana seal deal to boost West Africa’s maritime security
Date:
5 July 2026 6:09pm WAT
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1 NIMASA
2 Blue Economy
3 Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, enhance regional maritime governance and promote the sustainable development of the Blue Economy across West Africa
The agreement is expected to improve maritime governance, strengthen institutional capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking through comparative research, enhance regulatory effectiveness and reinforce collaborative efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea and maritime terrorism, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea
According to a statement issued yesterday by NIMASA’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, the two maritime administrations will establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) to develop action plans, coordinate implementation and monitor agreed programmes through designated focal persons
The JCT will meet twice annually, with meetings to be hosted alternately by Nigeria and Ghana to review implementation progress, evaluate cooperation activities and strengthen bilateral engagement
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the MoU provides a practical framework for deeper collaboration in maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC), institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, comparative research, joint enforcement initiatives and regional cooperation at international maritime forums
Mobereola stressed that the partnership must be driven by measurable outcomes through a structured implementation process.
He noted that Nigeria and Ghana, as leading maritime nations in the sub-region, share a responsibility to shape the future of maritime development in West and Central Africa
According to him, the partnership should deliver benefits beyond the two countries by fostering regional collaboration capable of unlocking the enormous potential of the Blue Economy.
“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,” he said
Mobereola also expressed appreciation to Ghana for supporting Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council, noting that the longstanding relationship between the two countries continues to advance maritime development across the region
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between the two maritime administrations
He acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in the region, noting that Ghana has drawn valuable lessons from several Nigerian maritime initiatives, including the country’s cabotage regime, ship registry and regulatory frameworks.
According to him, the MoU formalises an already mutually beneficial relationship and demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to implementing every aspect of the agreement while working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime administration across West Africa
“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
