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 maritime cooperation and promote the development of the maritime industries of both countries.
The agreement was signed at the Shanghai Seafarers Assessment Model Centre in Shanghai, China, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Mr Osagie Edward.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the agreement as a major milestone in Nigeria-China relations, saying it would provide a framework for collaboration in key areas of the maritime sector.
He said the partnership would cover maritime safety and navigation, marine environmental protection, seafarer training and certification, protection of seafarers’ rights, marine accident investigations and maritime security.
Mobereola added that the agreement would encourage the exchange of technical expertise and ensure practical benefits for the maritime industries of both countries.
He said President Bola Tinubu valued Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China and remained committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector.
According to him, the partnership also aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the objectives of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.
In his remarks, the Director-General of China MSA, Mr Xu Wei, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening maritime relations with Nigeria.
Xu expressed China’s interest in Nigeria’s maritime development, acknowledged the country’s progress in the sector and pledged continued support for bilateral cooperation and sustainable growth.
The agreement is expected to promote technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity development and the exchange of best practices, while strengthening institutional relations between the two maritime administrations.
