Africa charts new course as NIMASA, TASAC seal strategic maritime alliance at IMO Assembly

By Maureen Aguta

In a decisive step toward deepening regional maritime integration, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC). The bilateral engagement, held on the sidelines of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) General Assembly, culminated in the endorsement of a far-reaching Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to strengthen Africa’s maritime governance and operational capacity.

The agreement was formally signed by NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and Tanzania’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, Dr. Devotha Edward Mandanda. The MoU sets out a comprehensive framework for cooperation in key areas including maritime domain surveillance, seafarer development, cabotage administration, and the expansion of digital information systems. It also provides for continuous knowledge-exchange programmes aimed at enhancing technical efficiency across both agencies.

Officials from both countries described the pact as a milestone that signals the beginning of a more coordinated and resilient regional maritime ecosystem. They expressed optimism that the collaboration will bolster institutional capacity, reinforce regulatory frameworks, and promote sustainable growth within Africa’s blue economy.

Present at the bilateral meeting were NIMASA Board Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, members of the Executive Management, and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, William Bwala.