NIMASA, China MSA Sign Maritime Cooperation MoU
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) have signed a maritime cooperation agreement to strengthen maritime safety, technical collaboration and bilateral relations between Nigeria and China. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, marking a significant step towards expanding cooperation in the maritime sector.
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The agreement provides a framework for collaboration in maritime safety and navigation, marine environmental protection, seafarer training, certification and rights protection, marine casualty and incident investigation, maritime transportation facilitation, and maritime security. It is aimed at promoting technical expertise, capacity development and institutional cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Shanghai Seafarers Assessment Model Centre, NIMASA Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola described the MoU as a historic milestone in Nigeria-China relations. He emphasised the importance of translating the agreement into practical programmes that deliver measurable benefits to both countries’ maritime industries.
“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.
Dr. Mobereola further highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China, 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 Adegboyega Oyetola.
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China MSA Director General Mr. Xu Wei reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding maritime cooperation with Nigeria. He acknowledged China’s interest in Nigeria’s maritime development and recognised the country’s progress in the sector. He also pledged continued Chinese support for strengthening bilateral collaboration and promoting sustainable growth in both countries’ maritime industries.
The agreement is expected to facilitate technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, seafarer capacity development and the exchange of maritime best practices. It will also strengthen institutional ties between NIMASA and China MSA, supporting collaboration in maritime safety, environmental protection, navigation and security.
The partnership offers opportunities to enhance Nigeria’s maritime capabilities through international expertise and institutional collaboration. Cooperation in seafarer training, certification and marine casualty investigation could contribute to professional development and stronger maritime safety practices, while collaboration in marine environmental protection and maritime security could support more sustainable and secure maritime operations.
The signing of the MoU marks an important development in Nigeria-China maritime cooperation, creating a framework for deeper technical engagement and supporting the long-term development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
