Kenya and Nigeria Forge Stronger Ties in Maritime Sector Collaboration
The 7th African Association of Maritime Administrations (AAM A) Conference in Dar es Salaam has brought together key players in the shipping and maritime industry from across the continent. Among the notable engagements was a productive meeting between Geoffrey Kaituko, Kenya’s Principal Secretary of Shipping and Maritime Affairs, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The two leaders exchanged ideas on enhancing collaboration to advance mutual interests in the maritime and shipping sectors, both regionally and globally. Their discussions underscored the critical role that partnerships can play in bolstering Africa’s position in the global maritime industry.
Speaking about the meeting, Kaituko emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa’s vast maritime resources to drive economic growth and regional integration. “We agreed on the pivotal role the African Union can play in leveraging the maritime sector as a key plank in achieving the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.
The meeting highlighted the shared vision between Kenya and Nigeria to transform Africa’s maritime landscape. Both nations are committed to fostering stronger alliances to enhance port management, maritime safety, and trade facilitation.
Present at the meeting were prominent officials from both countries, including Babatunde Hafiz Bombata, Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, William Bwala Auta, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Julius Segera, Kenya’s Director of Shipping and Maritime, and John Omingo, Kenya’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.
The discussions also addressed the need for African countries to unite in advocating for shared interests on the global maritime stage. By strengthening intra-African collaboration, the continent can better position itself to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, including the implementation of AfCFTA, which promises to revolutionize trade across Africa.
This meeting is a testament to the growing cooperation among African nations to unlock the potential of their maritime resources. As Kaituko noted, “The future of Africa’s maritime sector lies in partnerships that drive innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment for all.”
The outcomes of the AAMA Conference, coupled with the commitments made by Kenya and Nigeria, signal a bright future for Africa’s maritime industry. By working together, African nations are poised to transform their maritime sector into a global powerhouse.
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