The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance maritime development in both countries. The agreement, signed in Shanghai, China, establishes a framework for collaboration in maritime safety and navigation, marine environmental protection, seafarer training and certification, protection of seafarers’ rights, marine casualty investigations, maritime transport facilitation and security.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Shanghai Seafarers Assessment Model Centre, NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the agreement as a historic milestone, stressing the need to translate the partnership into practical programmes and measurable benefits for both countries.
He said the MoU went beyond a formal agreement, representing a commitment to shared expertise, technical cooperation and tangible improvements in the maritime industries of Nigeria and China. Mobereola added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China, particularly in the maritime sector, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the objectives of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Dr Adegboyega Oyetola.
On his part, China MSA Director-General, Xu Wei, reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening maritime ties with Nigeria, expressing interest in the country’s maritime development and pledging continued support for bilateral collaboration and sustainable industry growth.
The agreement is expected to promote technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity development and the exchange of best practices, while strengthening institutional ties between both maritime administrations. The pact marks a significant step towards expanding Nigeria-China maritime relations and strengthening the capacity, safety and competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.