The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) have initiated discussions aimed at fostering collaboration in key areas of maritime administration.
The strategic engagement began with an official visit by TASAC representatives to NIMASA’s headquarters in Lagos, where both parties explored opportunities for cooperation in ship registration, port and flag state control, maritime safety, environmental protection, and seafarer training and certification. Other focal points include digital transformation, youth employment, green shipping, and enhancing financial sustainability within maritime regulatory frameworks.
During the meeting, NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the visit as an important step toward deepening bilateral ties and exchanging best practices. He highlighted the success of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project in improving maritime security and stressed the importance of regional collaboration to tackle transnational maritime threats.
Strategic vision
Dr. Mobereola noted that the proposed partnership aligns with the strategic vision of Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who supports a cohesive African maritime policy. He also emphasized the need for Africa to present a united stance on key issues at global maritime platforms such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Dr. Mobereola further expressed NIMASA’s commitment to formalising the relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), currently being reviewed by legal and technical teams. He suggested that African nations should work together to influence global decisions on green shipping and sustainable energy transitions. Moreover, he proposed the development of joint training programmes between Nigeria and Tanzania to support the growing demand for seafarers and create employment for the continent’s youth.
On the Tanzanian side, TASAC Director-General Mohammed Salumu, represented by Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, Leticia Mutaki, commended NIMASA for its progress in regulatory reform and technological advancement. He expressed strong interest in learning from Nigeria’s experience with port inspections, flag state control, and the financial models sustaining its maritime operations. Salumu acknowledged the Deep Blue Project’s success in capacity development and stated that Tanzania hopes to adopt similar initiatives. He also pledged TASAC’s support for Nigeria’s bid to retain its Category C seat at the IMO, signaling a commitment to ongoing partnership and mutual support.