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 to strengthen bilateral relations and promote the development of the maritime sectors of both countries.
The agreement was signed in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, establishing a framework for collaboration in key areas, including 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 Nigeria and China.
He emphasised the need to translate the agreement into practical programmes that would deliver measurable benefits to the maritime industries of both countries.
“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.
The NIMASA Director-General further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu values Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China and remains committed to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector.
He said the partnership aligns 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.
On his part, the Director-General of China MSA, Mr Xu Wei, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria.
Xu acknowledged China’s interest in Nigeria’s maritime development and commended the progress recorded in the country’s maritime sector, pledging continued support for bilateral collaboration and sustainable growth in both countries’ maritime industries.
The agreement is expected to promote technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity development and the exchange of best practices, while strengthening institutional ties between NIMASA and China MSA.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant step in advancing Nigeria-China maritime relations, with prospects for improved maritime safety, stronger institutional capacity and enhanced development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
