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The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, regional integration, and capacity development across Africa.
Mobereola made the declaration during a courtesy visit by the Honorary Consul of Liberia in Lagos, Dapo Akinosun, to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
The NIMASA chief described the engagement as another milestone in the enduring bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Liberia, particularly within the maritime sector, noting that stronger partnerships among African nations are essential to unlocking the vast opportunities inherent in the continent’s maritime domain.
According to him, enhanced collaboration will not only strengthen Africa’s Blue Economy aspirations but also promote sustainable economic growth and create employment opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population.
“The time has come for African countries to elevate maritime collaboration to a new level. The partnership between Nigeria and Liberia offers a unique platform to build capacity, strengthen regional cooperation, and expand opportunities for African youths in the global maritime industry,” Mobereola stated.
He stressed the need for African nations to jointly invest in maritime manpower development, emphasizing that access to sea-time training and practical industry exposure would equip young Africans with the skills required to compete effectively in the international maritime labour market.
The NIMASA DG also expressed appreciation to the Liberian Government for supporting Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, describing the gesture as evidence of the strong maritime relationship that both countries have maintained over the years.
Earlier, Akinosun said his visit was aimed at further consolidating the longstanding ties between Nigeria and Liberia while exploring new avenues for maritime cooperation.
He identified the maritime sector as a strategic driver of economic development, regional integration, and Blue Economy growth across Africa, while commending NIMASA’s management for its efforts in repositioning Nigeria’s maritime industry for greater competitiveness, investment, and sustainable development.
Akinosun noted that Liberia remains committed to expanding collaboration with NIMASA in critical areas such as maritime administration, safety, capacity building, and trade facilitation.
“Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional maritime development and partnership. Liberia looks forward to deepening cooperation with NIMASA to advance maritime growth and unlock the full potential of Africa’s Blue Economy,” he said.
