NIMASA, Tanzania explore partnership on maritime value chain

NIMASA, Tanzania explore partnership on maritime value chain

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) have begun discussions aimed at establishing a strategic partnership to strengthen their maritime sectors. The dialogue took place during a study visit by TASAC officials to NIMASA's headquarters in Lagos and focuses on collaboration in key areas such as maritime safety, environmental protection, digital transformation, seafarer training and certification, youth employment, and green shipping.

Central to the proposed partnership are aspects like flag and port state control, ship registration, oil pollution compensation, and sustainable maritime administration. NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in tackling transnational maritime threats and highlighted the agency’s Deep Blue Project as a significant step in boosting maritime security. He also mentioned that the partnership aligns with the broader goals of Africa’s blue economy and enjoys support from Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Mobereola expressed NIMASA’s willingness to formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), currently under legal review. He stressed the need for a unified African voice on global maritime issues, especially at platforms like the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and advocated for African nations to coordinate positions on green shipping and maritime energy.

On the Tanzanian side, TASAC Director-General Mohammed Salumu (represented by Leticia Mutaki) praised NIMASA's advancements in regulatory reforms, security, and digitalization. TASAC showed keen interest in Nigeria’s port state control, certification processes, and financial models. Salumu also voiced Tanzania’s readiness to support Nigeria’s re-election to the IMO’s Category C seat and expressed a mutual desire for collaboration, particularly in human capital development and maritime training.