L-R: The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA Dr. Dayo Mobereola, presenting a plaque to the Director General, China Maritime Safety Administration, Mr. Xu Wei during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and promoting the development of both countries’ maritime industries.

The agreement, signed in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, provides a framework for collaboration in key areas, including maritime safety and navigation, marine environmental protection, seafarer training, certification and protection of seafarers’ rights, marine casualty and incident investigation, maritime transportation facilitation, and maritime security.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Shanghai Seafarers Assessment Model Centre, NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the agreement as a historic milestone in Nigeria-China maritime relations.

He emphasised the need to translate the agreement into practical programmes, sustained institutional cooperation and measurable benefits for the maritime industries of both countries.

Mobereola said the MoU represented more than a formal diplomatic arrangement, noting that it provided an opportunity for both countries to strengthen technical cooperation, exchange expertise and pursue shared maritime development objectives.

“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,” he stated.

The NIMASA chief further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attached considerable importance to Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China and remained committed to expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector.

He said the partnership was consistent with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the objectives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola.

In his remarks, the Director-General of China MSA, Mr. Xu Wei, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria.

Xu expressed his country’s interest in Nigeria’s maritime development and acknowledged the progress being recorded in the sector.

He also pledged China’s continued support for advancing bilateral collaboration and promoting sustainable growth in the maritime industries of both countries.

The agreement is expected to facilitate technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, professional training, capacity development and the exchange of best practices between the two maritime administrations.

It will also strengthen institutional ties and provide opportunities for improved maritime safety, enhanced environmental protection and the development of skilled maritime personnel.

The signing of the MoU marks another significant step in Nigeria-China relations, with the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime regulatory capacity, improve seafarer development and advance the Federal Government’s ambition of positioning the country as a major maritime hub in Africa.

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