The Government of Tanzania has declared its support for Nigeria’s bid to return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C, aligning with the push by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, to restore the nation’s position after a 16-year absence from the Council.
This endorsement was announced during a visit by the Tanzanian Maritime Administration, led by Rukia D. Shante, Vice Chairman of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Speaking on behalf of TASAC Director General Mr. Mohammed Salumu, Mrs. Leticia Mutaki, Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, emphasized Tanzania’s firm commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aspiration.
“We believe Nigeria’s presence on the IMO Council is not only important for the West African subregion but for the African continent as a whole. Tanzania will continue to support this ambition,” she stated.
Mutaki also applauded NIMASA’s progress in maritime safety and security, particularly the Deep Blue maritime security architecture and the agency’s efforts in seafarer development. “Your investments in human capacity development are commendable. Tanzania is keen to learn from your systems, especially in certification, flag state inspections, and seafarer welfare,” she added.
NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, welcomed the Tanzanian delegation and emphasized the significance of the visit as a step toward long-term strategic cooperation between the two nations’ maritime sectors.
“This visit represents a valuable opportunity for our agencies to exchange expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions to shared maritime challenges,” Mobereola said. “It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, and our Honourable Minister has fully endorsed this initiative as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy for maritime advancement and international engagement.”
During the deliberations, both agencies explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in Flag and Port State Control, Cabotage enforcement, digital transformation, and maritime environmental protection.
Tanzania’s visit to Nigeria underscores a growing intra-African commitment to stronger maritime governance and cooperation, in line with continental goals for blue economy development and sustainable marine resource management.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.