The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen maritime cooperation between both countries.
Mr Osagie Edward, Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, said in a statement on Tuesday that the agreement was signed at the Shanghai Seafarers Assessment Model Centre in Shanghai, China.
Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), described the agreement as a major milestone in Nigeria-China relations.
Mobereola said that the MoU would provide a framework for cooperation in maritime safety and navigation, marine environmental protection, seafarer training and certification, protection of seafarers’ rights, marine accident investigations and maritime security.
He said that the agreement would promote the exchange of expertise and ensure practical benefits for the maritime industries of both countries.
The NIMASA boss said that President Bola Tinubu valued Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with China and remained committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector.
He added that the partnership aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the objectives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.
Also speaking, the Director-General of China MSA, Mr Xu Wei, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening maritime relations with Nigeria.
Xu expressed China’s interest in Nigeria’s maritime development and acknowledged the country’s progress in the sector.
He pledged China’s continued support for bilateral cooperation and sustainable growth in the maritime industries of both countries.
The agreement is expected to promote technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity development and the exchange of best practices, while strengthening institutional relations between the two maritime administrations.(NAN)
