Nigeria and Liberia have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation as part of broader efforts to expand Africa’s blue economy, enhance regional integration and improve capacity development in the shipping and maritime sectors.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and the Honorary Consul of Liberia in Lagos, Dapo Akinosun.
Officials said the discussions focused on improving collaboration in maritime safety, training, trade facilitation and youth capacity development across the West African maritime corridor.
NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola said stronger cooperation among African countries is essential to fully unlocking the continent’s maritime potential and strengthening the blue economy.
He stressed the importance of expanding sea-time training opportunities and practical exposure for young maritime professionals to enhance competitiveness in the global shipping industry.
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“The time has come for African nations to upscale maritime collaboration,” Mobereola said, adding that partnerships such as that between Nigeria and Liberia would help build capacity and create opportunities for African youth.
He noted that coordinated regional efforts could strengthen maritime administration systems and improve safety standards across African waters, while also supporting long-term economic growth.
The Nigerian maritime agency also acknowledged Liberia’s support for Nigeria’s successful bid for a Category C seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), describing it as a reflection of strong diplomatic and sectoral cooperation between both countries.
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The IMO is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for regulating international shipping, maritime safety and environmental performance.
Liberia, represented by its Honorary Consul in Lagos, Dapo Akinosun, welcomed the renewed push for collaboration, saying the maritime sector remains a critical driver of economic development and regional integration in West Africa.
He praised Nigeria’s efforts to reposition its maritime industry for investment and sustainable growth, noting that Liberia is keen to deepen cooperation in areas such as maritime administration, safety regulation, training and trade facilitation.
Both countries emphasised the importance of the blue economy as a key pillar for diversifying growth in Africa, particularly through shipping, port development, fisheries and offshore resources.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, and Liberia, a long-standing maritime nation with one of the world’s largest ship registries, have historically maintained cooperation in international shipping governance and regional maritime security initiatives.
Analysts say the renewed engagement reflects growing recognition among African states that coordinated maritime policy is essential for addressing challenges such as illegal fishing, piracy risks, port inefficiencies and limited technical capacity.
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The meeting also highlighted the need for greater investment in human capital development, particularly for young professionals seeking careers in shipping, logistics and maritime engineering.
Officials said both countries are expected to explore further technical exchanges and training programmes aimed at strengthening operational capacity within their maritime institutions.
The renewed partnership adds to broader regional efforts under African Union frameworks to expand intra-African maritime trade and improve the continent’s share of global shipping activity.
