Abuja: The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) has announced a strategic partnership with the Liberia Maritime Authority and the Liberia Maritime Training Institute to bolster Africa’s maritime economy and education. This collaboration aims to promote sustainable growth in the continent’s blue economy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Tornorlah Varpilah, the Board Chairman of the Liberian Maritime Authority, highlighted this initiative during a visit to MAN in Oron. Varpilah stated that the visit served as an opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas that would enhance Africa’s blue economy and maritime education. He emphasized Nigeria’s potential to invest significantly in the maritime sector, which could lead to sustainable development.
Varpilah expressed his admiration for the facilities at Nigeria’s premier maritime academy and commended the Federal Government for its investments in the maritime sector. He noted that this collaboration would foster development in both Nigeria and Liberia, as well as across the African region. “We are committed to this partnership and are here to promote the African region,” Varpilah said. “Nigeria has the resources, and together, we can overcome maritime challenges facing Africa.”
Mr. Kehinde Akinola, the Board Chairman of MAN, described the Liberian delegation’s visit as both reciprocal and timely, as it reaffirmed the longstanding bonds between Nigeria and Liberia. Akinola mentioned that Nigeria had previously visited Liberia in 2025 to initiate this partnership, which would enhance collaboration between the two institutions. He emphasized shared interests in maritime security and prosperity in the Gulf of Guinea, noting Liberia’s prominent ship registry and Nigeria’s diversified maritime economy.
Dr. Kevin Okonna, the Acting Rector of MAN, elaborated on key areas of the partnership, including training of cadets, exchange of academic programs and lecturers, and deployment of trained cadets. He also highlighted the potential for Nigerian cadets to gain experience on Liberian-flagged vessels and for Liberian seafarers to receive training in Nigeria. Okonna assured that all academy programs align with the International Maritime Organization’s standards.
This partnership reflects a significant step towards strengthening maritime education, training, and human-capacity development in West Africa, with a focus on sharing resources and expertise within the blue economy sector.