Nigeria Seeks Stronger Global Maritime Partnerships To Boost Shipping Industry

Nigeria has called for stronger international maritime partnerships to improve shipping regulation, accelerate technology transfer and develop professional capacity, stressing the need for global engagements to deliver measurable benefits to participating countries.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made the call while representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Mobereola said international maritime gatherings should go beyond discussions and resolutions to establish practical collaborations capable of producing tangible results for participating countries.

He emphasised that stronger international cooperation would play a crucial role in improving maritime regulatory standards, strengthening professional expertise and enhancing the competitiveness of the global shipping industry.

According to him, effective partnerships would also support the development of a safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable maritime sector, while helping countries respond to emerging challenges in international shipping.

The NIMASA chief noted that Nigeria intends to leverage the opportunities presented by the event to strengthen its maritime regulatory performance, expand professional development opportunities for Nigerians and improve the country’s standing in the global maritime industry.

He added that these priorities align with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda, which seeks to maximise the country’s maritime potential and promote sustainable growth across the sector.

Mobereola further stressed that sustained international cooperation was essential to advancing innovation and addressing evolving challenges in global shipping, particularly in areas requiring shared expertise, improved regulatory frameworks and the adoption of modern technologies.

The 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event has brought together maritime leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders from different countries to discuss developments affecting the global shipping industry and explore opportunities for international collaboration.

Nigeria’s participation is expected to provide an avenue for strengthening relationships with international maritime stakeholders and identifying areas of cooperation that could contribute to the country’s maritime development and competitiveness.