The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation to strengthen bilateral relations and advance the development of their respective maritime industries.
The agreement, signed in Shanghai, China, establishes a framework for collaboration in six key areas, including maritime safety and navigation, marine environmental protection, seafarer training, certification and rights protection, marine casualty and incident investigation, maritime transportation facilitation, and maritime security.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, said the agreement was signed at the Shanghai Seafarers Assessment Model Centre.
Speaking at the ceremony, NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the MoU as a historic milestone in the relationship between Nigeria and China, emphasising the need to translate the agreement into practical programmes and measurable benefits for both countries.
Mobereola said the partnership goes beyond a formal agreement, noting that it represents a commitment to shared expertise, practical maritime cooperation and tangible outcomes for both countries’ maritime industries.
He further stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu values Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China and remains committed to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector.
According to the NIMASA Director-General, the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the objectives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of its Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola.
On his part, the Director-General of China MSA, Xu Wei, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening maritime relations with Nigeria, expressing the country’s interest in Nigeria’s maritime development and acknowledging the progress recorded in the sector.
Xu pledged China’s continued support for advancing bilateral collaboration and promoting sustainable growth in the maritime industries of both countries.
The MoU is expected to facilitate technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity development and the exchange of best practices, while strengthening institutional collaboration between the two maritime administrations.
The agreement is also expected to provide opportunities for both countries to leverage their respective expertise in maritime administration, safety and security, environmental protection and seafarer development, with a view to advancing their maritime sectors.
