#maritime

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing bilateral maritime cooperation, improving regional maritime governance, and promoting sustainable development of the Blue Economy in West Africa. The signing ceremony took place in Lagos, according to Vanguard.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has expressed support for the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) Capacity Building Programme, which aims to strengthen maritime governance and enhance Port State Control in West and Central Africa. His remarks were made during the programme's launch in Abuja, highlighting its significance for regional cooperation in maritime affairs.

A maritime group has expressed support for the extension of the tenure of the CGC, stating that it is essential for consolidating ongoing reforms and facilitating a smooth leadership transition. This position highlights the group's belief in the importance of continuity in leadership during a period of reform.

Nigerian maritime operators are advocating for a comprehensive roadmap to facilitate equipment upgrades within the industry. They emphasize the importance of adopting green practices and establishing financing frameworks to modernize ports, according to Punch.

Experts and stakeholders in Nigeria's maritime sector have highlighted the importance of ethical journalism for the development of the industry. They are advocating for principles such as truth, fairness, and accountability in reporting to enhance the sector's growth and integrity.

Mohamed Salum, the Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), emphasized the significant role of seafarers in the national economy during a workshop in Kigoma. He noted that approximately 80% of goods entering the country are transported by sea, highlighting the importance of seafarers in facilitating trade. This statement was made in the context of the upcoming World Maritime Day celebrations.

According to Al Jazeera, Tehran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz 'will never return' to its prewar conditions and claims the right to charge fees for services in the area. In response, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has asserted that Iran cannot impose tolls in the strait, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding control and access in this critical maritime passage.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has highlighted that the Nigerian maritime sector, while a significant contributor to economic growth, is confronted with complex security threats. This statement was made during a discussion on the challenges facing the sector in Uyo, according to ThisDay Live.

The UN's maritime agency has initiated an operation to evacuate over 11,000 sailors who are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. This effort aims to address the critical situation faced by these individuals in the strategically important waterway.

Tanzania is continuing to invest in the maritime sector, which is creating more job and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth through training provided by the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI). This was stated by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Planning, Finance, and Administration during the ongoing Public Service Week exhibitions in Dodoma.

According to Vanguard Business, stakeholders in Nigeria's automobile and maritime sectors have identified delays and high clearing costs as significant factors driving car importers to use neighboring countries' ports and engage in smuggling. The Nigeria Customs Service reported the seizure of 870 smuggled vehicles valued at N3.88 billion over a 15-month period.