NIMASA, China deepen maritime cooperation

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. Photo: NIMASA

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the China Maritime Safety Administration have strengthened bilateral maritime relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations at NIMASA, Osagie Edward, explained that the MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in six key areas.

He listed the areas as maritime safety and navigation, marine environmental protection, seafarer training, certification and rights protection, marine casualty and incident investigation, maritime transportation facilitation, and maritime security.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Shanghai Seafarers Assessment Model Centre, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the agreement as a historic milestone in the relationship between both countries, stressing the need to translate the MoU into practical programmes and tangible benefits for their respective maritime sectors.

“This Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement; it is a commitment to translate our longstanding relationship into practical maritime cooperation, shared expertise and measurable benefits for both countries. We are determined to ensure that this partnership delivers tangible outcomes for our maritime industries”, Mobereola stated.

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Mobereola added that President Bola Tinubu values Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China and is committed to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the objectives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of Adegboyega Oyetola.

The Director-General of China MSA, Mr Xu Wei, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria, noting the country’s interest in Nigeria’s maritime development and commendable progress in the sector.

He assured that China would sustain its support for strengthening bilateral relations and fostering sustainable development in the maritime sectors of both countries.

The agreement is expected to promote technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, capacity building and the sharing of best practices, while deepening institutional ties between NIMASA and China MSA.

The pact represents a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria-China maritime relations and accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.