# Nigeria maritime cooperation expands, green shipping drive > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-maritime-cooperation-expansion > Updated: 2026-08-26T14:00:18.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 14. Since late May 2026, Nigeria’s Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has deepened regional ties and accelerated domestic reforms. A digital Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal was launched on 28 June to link applications to the National Identity Management Commission. In July, NIMASA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ghana Maritime Authority to harmonise regulatory standards and formalised a safety partnership with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau. In August, NIMASA reaffirmed its commitment to a “globally competitive maritime administration” through meetings with the Alumni Association of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and the Mission to Seafarers (MtS) Lagos. These discussions focused on enhancing seafarer welfare, professional development, and certification efficiency. On 11 August, NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy renewed their strategic partnership via a five-year Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja to support the nation’s Blue Economy. Concurrently, the Navy disrupted a militant network in Bayelsa State, arresting three individuals allegedly linked to Sunday Godlaw. To bolster domestic industry, NIMASA announced intensified enforcement of cabotage requirements on 26 August. Under the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Cabotage Act 2003, entities must prioritize vessels that are Nigerian-owned, registered, manned, and built in Nigeria. The agency stated that non-compliant vessels will only be permitted if requisite local capacity is unavailable, aiming to prevent the outsourcing of jobs intended for Nigerian citizens. Earlier initiatives include the Nigerian Green Shipping Excellence Programme and the agency’s regained seat on the International Maritime Organization Council for 2026–2027. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: NIMASA increases enforcement of Nigerian cabotage requirements NIMASA is increasing enforcement of the Cabotage Act to ensure Nigerian citizens and locally built vessels dominate the country’s maritime trade and prevent job outsourcing. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nimasa-increases-enforcement-of-nigerian-cabotage-requirements ### 2026-08-11: Nigeria strengthens maritime security through new pact and militant raids Nigeria’s Navy and NIMASA have signed a five-year pact to enhance maritime security, while naval forces arrested three suspected militants during a raid in Bayelsa State. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-strengthens-maritime-security-through-new-pact-and-militant-raids ### 2026-08-06: NIMASA pledges globally competitive maritime administration and enhanced seafarer welfare NIMASA’s DG Dr. Dayo Mobereola pledged a globally competitive maritime administration and stronger seafarer welfare partnerships, citing reforms, electronic certification and collaboration with AMANO and the M​ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nimasa-pledges-globally-competitive-maritime-administration-and-enhanced-seafarer-welfare ### 2026-08-02: NIMASA and Mission to Seafarers Strengthen Partnership to Boost Nigerian Seafarers' Welfare NIMASA and Mission to Seafarers pledged tighter cooperation to improve certification, training and welfare support for Nigerian seafarers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nimasa-and-mission-to-seafarers-strengthen-partnership-to-boost-nigerian-seafarers-welfare ### 2026-07-27: Nigerian Maritime Agency Commits to Green Shipping and Decarbonisation NIMASA Director‑General Dr. Dayo Mobereola reaffirmed Nigeria’s green‑shipping pledge, highlighting the NGSEP and a Green Maritime Recognition Scheme to drive maritime decarbonisation and attract climate‑invest 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-nimasa-pledges-green-shipping-and-maritime-decarbonisation ### 2026-07-24: Nigeria's NIMASA Commits to Green Shipping and Maritime Decarbonisation NIMASA’s Director General Dr Dayo Mobereola endorsed the NGSEP and GMRS programmes, reinforcing Nigeria’s push for green shipping, maritime decarbonisation and a low‑carbon blue economy. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-nimasa-commits-to-green-shipping-and-maritime-decarbonisation ### 2026-07-21: Nigeria's NIMASA and NSIB pledge deeper cooperation for maritime safety NIMASA and NSIB in Nigeria confirmed expanded cooperation to improve maritime safety, security and casualty investigations, aligning with the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry’s goals. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-nimasa-and-nsib-pledge-deeper-cooperation-for-maritime-safety ### 2026-07-09: NIMASA Secures IMO Council Seat, Opens Maritime Museum Nigeria's maritime agency NIMASA secured a seat on the IMO Council after 14 years, hosted the IMO chief, maintained zero piracy, and opened a new museum to showcase the nation's seafaring heritage. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nimasa-secures-imo-council-seat-opens-maritime-museum ### 2026-07-09: Nigeria boosts maritime cooperation with Ghana and domestic agencies Nigeria signed a maritime MoU with Ghana and renewed a customs‑navy alliance to fight piracy and smuggling, adding joint teams, technology upgrades and regular coordination. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-boosts-maritime-cooperation-with-ghana-and-domestic-agencies ### 2026-07-05: Nigeria and Ghana sign maritime MoU to strengthen security and boost Blue Economy Nigeria and Ghana have signed a maritime MoU in Lagos to enhance security, share seafarer certifications and promote Blue Economy growth, establishing a bi‑annual joint team for implementation. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-and-ghana-sign-mou-to-boost-maritime-cooperation ### 2026-06-28: Nigeria's NIMASA launches digital Seafarer Discharge Book portal NIMASA launched a digital portal to streamline issuance of Nigerian seafarers’ discharge books, integrating ID verification, online payment and automated certification. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-nimasa-launches-digital-seafarer-discharge-book-portal ### 2026-06-21: NIMASA partners with ILO training centre to boost maritime capacity NIMASA signed an MoU with the ILO’s training centre to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime capacity through targeted training and technical assistance. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-nimasa-signs-mou-with-ilo-training-centre-for-maritime-capacity ### 2026-06-10: Nigeria's NIMASA and Gambia Maritime Administration deepen digitalisation cooperation NIMASA hosted Gambia maritime officials to share digital seafarer certification practices, boosting regional cooperation and maritime administration in both countries. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-nimasa-and-gambia-maritime-administration-deepen-digitalisation-cooperation ### 2026-05-31: Nigeria and Liberia deepen maritime cooperation in Lagos Nigeria’s NIMASA chief Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Liberia’s Honorary Consul Dapo Akinosun met in Lagos, pledging stronger maritime integration, youth training and support for Nigeria’s IMO seat to boost Africa’s Bl 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-and-liberia-deepen-maritime-cooperation-in-lagos --- Cite as: Nigeria maritime cooperation expands, green shipping drive. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-maritime-cooperation-expansion