Nigeria Urges Maritime Collaboration to Tackle Piracy and Boost Regional Security
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has called for increased collaboration among African nations to enhance maritime safety and security across the continent. Speaking at the 7th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Mobereola highlighted the pivotal role of innovative financing and international cooperation in achieving sustainable development in Africa’s maritime sector.
“Our priorities at the AAMA conference include exploring collaborative avenues to enhance maritime safety and security. By reinforcing adherence to frameworks like the Djibouti and Yaoundé Codes of Conduct, Nigeria aims to strengthen its leadership role in combating piracy and maritime crime across West Africa,” Mobereola said.
Mobereola underscored Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to address key challenges in decarbonisation, security, and marine environmental sustainability. He called for regional and international partners to support these efforts with technical expertise and financial resources, stating that infrastructure development and digital transformation are central to NIMASA’s strategy.
“As we pursue sustainable development, partnerships remain critical. We are urging regional and global stakeholders to join us in building a resilient and future-focused African maritime sector,” Mobereola added.
The conference served as a platform for African maritime leaders to align on strategies for addressing shared challenges, including regional security and sustainable energy transitions. Mobereola emphasised that collaboration on these issues could unlock the sector’s potential as a driver of economic growth across the continent.
Established to foster cooperation among African maritime administrations, AAMA aims to harmonise policies and advance the continent’s maritime goals. When Nigeria hosted the 3rd AAMA conference in 2017, it introduced a master plan designed to advance the African Maritime Transport Charter.
“Since 2017, we’ve made significant strides in shaping Africa’s maritime agenda. This year’s conference offers a unique opportunity to refine our collective approach to security, sustainability, and economic growth,” Mobereola said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in the sector, particularly in its fight against piracy and maritime crime. “Through strengthened adherence to international codes and innovative financing models, we are building a safer and more secure maritime environment,” he stated.
As Nigeria and its partners strive to implement these measures, Mobereola reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to fostering regional growth and global competitiveness in the maritime sector.
