Nigeria and Denmark have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector, with both nations pledging to deepen existing ties and explore new areas of collaboration to enhance maritime security, seafarer training, and economic development.
The renewed commitment followed a courtesy visit by the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jens Ole Bach Jansen, to the headquarters of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.
According to a statement issued by Mr. Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Ambassador Jansen highlighted the longstanding partnership between both nations, noting that Danish companies have been key investors in Nigeria’s maritime industry for decades.
He commended Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in the sector and expressed Denmark’s readiness to expand cooperation beyond existing frameworks. “Denmark remains committed to working closely with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of seafarer training, maritime security, and the development of blue economy initiatives,” Jansen stated.
In his remarks, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, thanked the Danish government for its consistent partnership and support. He noted that Denmark’s contributions have been instrumental in improving Nigeria’s maritime safety and operational capacity.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Government of Nigeria, I extend our deep appreciation to the Danish Government for its unwavering support to our maritime sector. Danish investments have strengthened our port operations and enhanced our capacity-building initiatives, and we are optimistic that this relationship will continue to flourish,” Mobereola said.
Over the years, Nigeria and Denmark have collaborated in key areas including maritime safety, digitalization, and professional development for maritime security personnel. Danish firms, notably APM Terminals, have made significant investments in Nigeria’s port infrastructure, with major operations in Lagos, Onne, and Kano.
Additionally, Denmark has supported capacity-building initiatives such as the Ship-in-a-Box (SIAB) simulator project, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project provides hands-on training for Nigerian maritime law enforcement officers in Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime law enforcement and anti-piracy efforts.
The renewed engagement between both countries underscores a shared vision to foster sustainable growth, improve maritime governance, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s blue economy within the global maritime landscape.