By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Nigeria and Liberia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional maritime cooperation, with both countries pledging deeper collaboration in capacity development, maritime safety, and Blue Economy growth across West Africa.
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, restated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing maritime integration and regional cooperation within Africa, when he received the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Liberia in Lagos, Mr. Dapo Akinosun, SAN, at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
Dr. Mobereola described the engagement as a reflection of the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between both countries, particularly within the maritime sector, noting that such partnerships remain crucial to unlocking Africa’s vast maritime potential.
He stressed that stronger collaboration among African nations is essential for strengthening the Blue Economy, promoting sustainable development, and expanding opportunities within the global maritime industry.
According to him, the time has come for African countries to deepen cooperation beyond national boundaries in order to build capacity and enhance competitiveness in the maritime space.
“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.
Dr. Mobereola further emphasized the importance of sea-time training and practical exposure for young maritime professionals, noting that such initiatives would prepare Nigerian and African youths to compete effectively at the international level.
“We must collectively build maritime capacity beyond borders. Sea-time training and practical exposure will position Nigerian and African youths to compete effectively in the international maritime space,” he added.
He also expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia for its support of Nigeria’s successful bid for the Category C seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), describing it as a demonstration of sustained diplomatic and maritime cooperation between both nations.
Earlier, the Honorary Consul of Liberia in Lagos, Mr. Dapo Akinosun, SAN, said his visit was aimed at reinforcing the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Liberia while promoting deeper maritime collaboration.
Akinosun described the maritime sector as a critical driver of economic growth, regional integration, and Blue Economy development, commending NIMASA for its efforts in repositioning Nigeria’s maritime industry for sustainable growth and investment.
“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 Blue Economy,” he said.
The meeting underscored growing momentum toward regional maritime integration in West Africa, with both countries expressing optimism that enhanced cooperation will strengthen trade, improve maritime safety, and expand human capacity development across the sector.
