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In a move expected to deepen regional integration and unlock the Blue Economy, Nigeria and Ghana have signed a landmark maritime cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening maritime security, combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and introducing mutual recognition of seafarers’ Certificates of Competency (CoC), among other areas.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) formalised the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Lagos, establishing a framework for closer collaboration on maritime safety, security, capacity building, and institutional development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the agreement as a practical roadmap for delivering measurable improvements across the maritime sector.
He said the MoU covers key areas including maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC) for seafarers, institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, comparative research, joint enforcement operations, and coordinated engagement at international maritime forums.
“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.
The NIMASA boss also thanked Ghana for supporting Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council, describing the backing as another reflection of the strong relationship between both countries.
According to him, Nigeria and Ghana, as two of West Africa’s leading maritime nations, have a shared responsibility to shape the future of maritime development in the region through stronger collaboration capable of unlocking the vast opportunities within the Blue Economy.
To ensure effective implementation, both agencies will establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) responsible for developing action plans, coordinating implementation, and monitoring agreed programmes through designated focal persons. The team will meet twice annually, with meetings hosted alternately by Nigeria and Ghana.
The partnership is expected to strengthen maritime governance, improve regulatory effectiveness, enhance institutional capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking through comparative research, and reinforce joint efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism across the Gulf of Guinea.
Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the MoU as a major milestone in the longstanding relationship between both maritime administrations.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in the region, noting that Ghana has benefited from several Nigerian maritime initiatives, including the country’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.
