Nigeria Eyes Bilateral Agreement With More Maritime Nations-Mobereola

.To Ink Deal With China Next week 

.As Talks With Denmark, Other European Union Countries Continue

ZAINAB JUNAID 

As part of efforts to expand cooperation with other maritime nations, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola has said that Nigeria will sign a bilateral maritime agreement with China next week.

The Director-General made this known during an interactive session at the 3rd quarter 2026 Citizens/ Stakeholders’ engagement held in Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, 16 October 2026.

Mobereola said Nigeria had already signed bilateral maritime cooperation with Ghana, Tanzania, Angola and Kenya, while discussions are underway with Denmark and other European countries.

According to him, recognising the importance of this partnership, particularly in the recognition of Nigerian seafarers’ certificates, Nigeria has taken decisive steps to strengthen cooperation with the 176 maritime nations and enhance opportunities for Nigerian seafarers to work abroad.

“I can confirm to you that we have signed bilateral MoU with Ghana, Tanzania, Angola Kenya and we have in the process that next week we are going to sign with China and we are also discussing with Denmark and other EU Countries. Very soon, infact we have written to all the 176 maritime nations in the bond that we are willing to sign an agreement with them, so we are making progress and we shall be there shortly,” he stated.

On whether Inland waterway operators can apply for the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), the NIMASA DG affirmed that they are eligible to apply for the fund, provided they met the stipulated terms and conditions.

“As stipulated in the 2003 Act, yes, the law cover it and anyone that is operating in the inland waterway has the right to apply for the CVFF, as long as they meet the terms and conditions. The law is fair to anyone with a track record, experience and right knowledge, to apply through the CVFF portal,” he said.

While addressing concerns over war risk premiums, Mobereola informed that Nigeria had been removed from the list of countries considered high-risk for maritime operations under the administration of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

He said engagement had commenced with the Lloyd’s of London insurance market and other stakeholders to address the issue of war risk premiums.

To him, the process would continue until the desired outcome is achieved.

Fielding questions from Journalists shortly after the commemoration of the World Maritime Day 2026 at Victoria Island, Lagos, on CVFF update, the Director General said the fund process has been made easy, and is now applicable to every ship owners.

“This process is straight forward, as a ship owner, you can visit NIMASA Portal to apply and from there you visit your bank because there is need for bank guarantee, so that when the fund is released to you, we ensure that after the tenure, it will be returned back to the Agency to allow others to benefit.

“Where we are now is that some ship owners have applied and they are discussing with their banks in trying to ensure that they fulfill all the conditions from the bank once this is done, they will come to us, we process it and funds will be released,” he said.

Dr. Mobereola also clarified the doubt on whether banks requested for cargo guarantee to secure the funds, stating he is not sure of any bank making such requests.

The 3rd Quarter 2026 Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement was themed “Building Strategic Bilateral Partnerships for Sustainable Growth, Investment, and Technology of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy”.

The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and reforms in the sector.