Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola (right) in a discussion with the Senior Coordinator Atlantic Cooperation, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Ambassador Jessye Lapenn during 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Atlantic Cooperation Summit in New York.
Dr.r. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Atlantic region. Speaking at the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Summit, a sideline event of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Mobereola emphasized the importance of sustainable exploration of the Atlantic for the benefit of all bordering countries. The summit was chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
During his presentation, Dr. Mobereola highlighted Nigeria’s role in shaping global maritime policies and advancing the agenda for a secure and sustainable Atlantic. He noted that Nigeria’s active participation in the Atlantic Cooperation initiative has resulted in meaningful contributions, including hosting a recent international workshop on Deep Sea-bed activities. “Our government is committed to developing a legal and regulatory framework for deep-sea mining, promoting sustainable economic growth,” Mobereola stated.
He also underscored Nigeria’s close collaboration with key international partners such as the United States, European Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations to enhance coastal protection and facilitate safe maritime trade. This cooperation, he said, is vital to advancing regional economic integration and fostering a thriving blue economy.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who chaired the session, stressed the critical importance of the Atlantic Ocean for all nations, particularly those bordering its coastline. “We are fostering deeper connections between governments, civil societies, private sectors, and scientific communities to address shared challenges and leverage new technologies against common threats,” Blinken remarked.
The Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, since its inception, has grown to include 42 member countries, representing over 75 percent of the Atlantic coastline. Representatives from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean attended the session to discuss shared challenges and promote collective solutions.
At the summit, participants endorsed the Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation, which emphasizes international law, mutual collaboration, and respect for varying political and economic capacities. The declaration also acknowledges the special interest of Atlantic states in ensuring sustainable management of the ocean’s resources.
