The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas of maritime operations, including port and flag state control, cabotage enforcement, seafarer training and certification, maritime security, and digital transformation.
This agreement was reached during a recent working visit by a Tanzanian maritime delegation to Nigeria, led by Rukia D. Shante, Vice Chairman of TASAC. The visit, according to Osagie Edwards, Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, focused on enhancing knowledge sharing between the two nations to address common maritime challenges.
One of the major highlights of the visit was Tanzania’s official endorsement of Nigeria’s candidacy for re-election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, a position that gives Nigeria a voice in shaping global maritime policies.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, described the visit as a “strategic opportunity” for both nations to deepen their collaboration. “This study visit represents a valuable opportunity for our agencies to share expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions to common maritime challenges,” Mobereola said.
He added that the initiative has the full support of Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision to foster sustainable blue economy development and regional maritime cooperation.
TASAC Director-General Mr. Mohammed Salumu, represented by Mrs. Leticia Mutaki, Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, commended NIMASA for its recent reforms and achievements, especially in maritime security and capacity development for seafarers. “Our presence here today reflects the strong and growing cooperation between the two institutions and our shared commitment to advancing maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship across Africa,” she said.
Salumu further praised Nigeria’s Deep Blue security architecture, describing it as a model for tackling maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond. He expressed Tanzania’s particular interest in learning from Nigeria’s advancements in seafarer welfare, certification, and flag state inspection processes.
Commenting on Nigeria’s bid for the IMO Council seat, Salumu reiterated Tanzania’s full support, stating: “We believe Nigeria’s position on the IMO Council is vital for the region and the continent at large. Tanzania will continue to support this ambition.”
