Nigeria and Tanzania have opened a new chapter in regional maritime cooperation as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen surveillance, seafarer development, and digital integration across their maritime sectors.
The agreement was endorsed during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) General Assembly, where the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and Tanzania’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, Dr. Devotha Edward Mandanda, formalised the partnership.
According to both sides, the MoU establishes a framework for deeper operational cooperation, improved governance, and knowledge exchange between the two maritime administrations.
It covers joint efforts in maritime domain awareness, cabotage administration, capacity-building programmes, and the deployment of digital information systems to boost regulatory efficiency.
Mobereola described the pact as a forward-looking step for Africa’s maritime future. He stated that the understanding “reaffirms our collective commitment to advancing maritime surveillance, developing seafarer capacity and strengthening cabotage administration across our regions.”
He added that NIMASA is determined to work closely with TASAC to “expand the use of digital platforms and continuous knowledge-sharing initiatives that will enhance operational effectiveness.”
Mandanda shared similar optimism, noting that Tanzania views the collaboration as a catalyst for long-term sectoral transformation.
She emphasised, “This MoU marks the beginning of a new phase in regional maritime collaboration,” adding that both countries are confident it will “enhance maritime governance, improve operational capacity, and support the development of strong and resilient maritime institutions.”
The bilateral meeting also had in attendance the Chairman of the NIMASA Governing Board, Hon. Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, Executive Directors of the agency, and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, William Bwala.
Stakeholders say the partnership positions both nations to play a stronger role in shaping Africa’s maritime development architecture, with expectations that the initiative will contribute to safer seas, increased professionalism among seafarers, and sustainable blue economy growth across the continent.