Nigeria and Ghana Sign Pact to Boost West African Maritime Security

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Lagos on July 9, 2026, to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation. The agreement establishes a practical framework for collaboration on maritime safety, security, and joint enforcement initiatives. A key component of the pact is the mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency, which aims to promote the sustainable development of the Blue Economy across West Africa.

To ensure the agreement produces measurable outcomes, the agencies will establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT). This team will meet twice annually, alternating hosts between Nigeria and Ghana to monitor the implementation of the pact and develop specific action plans. This structured approach is intended to prevent the agreement from remaining a symbolic gesture and instead drive tangible improvements in regional governance.

The partnership specifically targets the improvement of security within the Gulf of Guinea. By coordinating their efforts, the two agencies intend to enhance collaborative strategies to combat armed robbery at sea, maritime terrorism, and piracy. This cooperation reflects a broader effort to stabilize maritime trade routes and protect economic interests in one of the world's most piracy-prone regions.