The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), reinforcing efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation and improve security across the Gulf of Guinea.
The agreement was signed at the NIMASA Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos, and is expected to deepen collaboration between the two maritime regulators in areas critical to the growth and sustainability of the sector.
Under the renewed partnership, Ghana and Nigeria will work towards the mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency, a move aimed at streamlining seafarer training, certification and employment opportunities in both countries.
The agreement also provides for closer cooperation on maritime security operations to tackle piracy, armed robbery at sea and terrorism within the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
The MoU was signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, a retired Naval Captain, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola.
Beyond security, the two agencies have committed to strengthening cabotage enforcement while enhancing institutional capacity through expert exchanges, joint research initiatives and technical conferences.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr Ali underscored the wider regional significance of the partnership, stating that the knowledge and experience gained by the GMA from NIMASA would contribute to the development of the broader regional economy.
He noted that Nigeria accounts for more than 60 per cent of vessel traffic in the Gulf of Guinea, making cooperation between the two countries essential to improving maritime governance and operational efficiency across West Africa.
To ensure the effective implementation of the agreement, the two organisations will establish a Joint Consultative Team comprising designated focal persons from both agencies. The team will meet twice a year, alternating between Accra and Lagos, to review progress and coordinate the execution of the MoU.
The renewed agreement reflects the commitment of both Ghana and Nigeria to fostering safer seas, enhancing maritime trade and building stronger institutional ties in support of regional economic integration.
