The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in maritime surveillance, seafarer development, and digital integration. The agreement was endorsed during a bilateral engagement held alongside the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) General Assembly.
The MoU was formalised by the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and Tanzania’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, Dr. Devotha Edward Mandanda. Both officials described the agreement as a framework designed to deepen operational collaboration, enhance governance standards, and promote structured knowledge exchange between the two maritime administrations.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nigeria and Tanzania will collaborate on maritime domain awareness initiatives, cabotage administration, capacity-building programmes, and the deployment of digital information systems intended to improve regulatory efficiency and operational effectiveness. These areas are considered critical to addressing shared challenges such as maritime safety, security, and institutional capacity across African waters.
Dr. Mobereola characterised the pact as a forward-looking move that reflects a shared vision for the continent’s maritime future. He noted that the agreement reaffirms the commitment of both countries to advancing surveillance capabilities, strengthening seafarer training, and improving cabotage administration. According to him, NIMASA is keen to work closely with TASAC to expand the use of digital platforms and sustain continuous knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Dr. Mandanda echoed this sentiment, describing the collaboration as a catalyst for long-term transformation within the sector. She said the MoU marks the beginning of a new phase in regional maritime cooperation, expressing confidence that it will enhance maritime governance, improve operational capacity, and support the development of resilient maritime institutions in both countries.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including 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.
Industry stakeholders believe the partnership positions Nigeria and Tanzania to play a more influential role in shaping Africa’s maritime development architecture. Expectations are high that the initiative will contribute to safer seas, improved professionalism among seafarers, and sustainable growth of the continent’s blue economy.