The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, has reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to deepen regional partnerships aimed at advancing maritime integration, capacity development and cooperation across the African continent. He made the commitment during a meeting with the Consul of Liberia in Lagos, Dapo Akinosun, who visited the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos. The engagement highlighted the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Liberia and underscored the importance of maritime cooperation in supporting the growth and development of Africa’s maritime sector.
Mobereola noted that closer collaboration among African countries is critical to unlocking the continent’s maritime opportunities and accelerating progress within the Blue Economy. He explained that stronger maritime cooperation can contribute significantly to building capacity, enhancing regional integration and creating employment prospects for young Africans seeking opportunities within the global maritime industry. Stressing the need for greater collective action, he said, “The time has come for African nations to upscale maritime collaboration. The partnership between Nigeria and Liberia will help us build capacity, strengthen regional cooperation and create opportunities for African youths within the global maritime industry,” he said. He further emphasized the value of sea-time training and practical industry exposure, stating that such efforts are essential to equipping Nigerian and African maritime professionals with the skills required to compete effectively on the international stage.
The NIMASA Director-General also acknowledged Liberia’s support for Nigeria’s successful bid for a Category C seat at the International Maritime Organization. According to him, the two nations have sustained productive maritime relations over the years, providing a strong foundation for expanded maritime cooperation in the future. He indicated that continued collaboration would strengthen regional maritime development while supporting broader economic objectives linked to the Blue Economy.
Earlier, Akinosun stated that his visit was intended to reinforce the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Liberia while identifying new opportunities for deeper maritime cooperation. He described the maritime sector as a key contributor to economic growth, regional integration and Blue Economy advancement across Africa. Akinosun also praised NIMASA’s leadership for initiatives focused on repositioning Nigeria’s maritime industry for sustainable growth and investment. Reaffirming Liberia’s interest in working more closely with the agency, he said, “Nigeria has demonstrated genuine commitment to maritime partnership and regional growth. Liberia looks forward to deeper collaboration with NIMASA in maritime administration, safety, capacity development and trade promotion for the advancement of Africa’s BlueEconomy,” he said.
