Nigeria, Liberia Maritime Academies Partner to Boost Regional Blue Economy
Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria and Liberia take a step towards strengthening regional maritime capacity as the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) signs a cooperation framework with Liberia’s maritime training institutions to improve seafarer training and workforce development.
The partnership emerged following a working visit by MAN officials to the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) in late February 2026.
The academy’s spokesperson, Domo Umoekpe, confirmed the agreement Monday, noting that it aims to expand maritime education and professional training opportunities across West and Central Africa.
Under the collaboration, both institutions will exchange lecturers, share training resources and simulators, jointly review course curricula and promote academic programmes through digital platforms.
The arrangement also reserves training slots for Liberian cadets to complete specialised courses at the Nigerian academy in Oron.
Chairman of MAN’s Governing Council, Kehinde Akinola, says the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to deepen maritime cooperation in the region.
“The proposed agreement will strengthen sub-regional cooperation and fast-track collective growth within the blue economy sector,” Akinola says.
Acting Rector Kevin Okonna highlights MAN’s growing reputation for producing internationally competitive seafarers through modern simulators, workshops and experienced instructors.
“This partnership reflects our shared vision to build a new generation of highly skilled and globally competitive seafarers through collaboration and innovation,” Okonna says.
Hosting the Nigerian delegation, John Harvey, Deputy Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, describes the alliance as a model for maritime cooperation across Africa.
Analysts say such collaborations could strengthen maritime safety, shipping logistics and economic growth across the Gulf of Guinea.
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