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The Liberian Maritime Authority has encouraged the Federal Government to continue investing in the nation’s Maritime Academy in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, saying it would partner with the institution to grow the blue economy sector in Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, during a facility visit by a Liberian maritime delegation to the institution, the Board Chairman of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Hon. Tornorlah Varpilah, observed that Nigeria has the resources and capacity to invest in the maritime sector, adding that he was impressed by the top-notch facilities provided by the Nigerian Government at the nation’s premier maritime education and training institution.
Varpilah noted that the proposed maritime partnership with Liberia would promote development between the two countries and the entire African region.
“We are here to promote partnership in the African region. Nigeria is rich; they have enough capital for investment. We are committed to the planned partnership.
“We want to ensure that we share our vision together and work together to overcome maritime challenges facing Africa.”
Varpilah, while interacting with journalists after the facility tour of the Academy, commended the Federal Government for investing in the maritime sector to grow the blue economy.
He said the Maritime Academy of Nigeria was capable of growing the manpower base for the African blue economy and commended the institution for its modern facilities, competent lecturers and disciplined cadets.
Varpilah urged the Federal Government not to relent in investing in the Academy to grow the marine and blue economy.
The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy, Dr Kevin Okonna, listed key areas in the partnership deal to include training of cadets, exchange of academic programmes, exchange of lecturers between the two countries and placement of MAN cadets on board Liberian-flagged vessels for sea-time training, among others.
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“This partnership would be beneficial to all parties.
“Details of the MoU would be known after the meeting of this delegation with NIMASA, which is our regulatory Agency to consummate the collaboration.”
The Board Chairman of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Engr. Kehinde Akinola, said the visit of the Liberian maritime delegation to Nigeria was reciprocal, following the earlier trip by the Academy to Liberia last year, where the partnership deal was initiated.
“Your presence is a reflection of the growing relationship between our institutions and our shared commitment to strengthening maritime education, training and human-capacity development in West Africa.
“Today’s engagement is more than a routine inspection.
“It is a reaffirmation of the historic bond between Nigeria and Liberia — two countries with deep historical connections, a shared maritime heritage and a common interest in promoting a safe, secure and prosperous maritime sector in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Liberia has a significant presence in global shipping, particularly through its internationally recognised ship registry, while Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest and most diversified maritime economies.
“These complementary strengths provide a strong foundation for cooperation, particularly in maritime education, professional training and the development of competent seafarers.”
