By Saidu Jalloh
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, successfully hosted the 34th Session of the Board of Governors of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Freetown. This high-level regional gathering brought together transport ministers, maritime administrators, and representatives from member states and international organizations to discuss the future of maritime education, capacity building, and cooperation across West and Central Africa.
A historic milestone was achieved at this year’s meeting with the Republic of Guinea-Bissau officially joining the RMU as its sixth member state, alongside Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone.
In his keynote address, Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, extended warm greetings on behalf of President Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, commending the unity and collaboration demonstrated among member states.
“Today’s gathering is historic and will be etched in the good books of this great institution,” Minister Turay said. “After 42 years of regionalization, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau joins us as the sixth member of the RMU. This milestone is a testament to African integration and unity.”
He also recognized the contributions of Liberia and Sierra Leone to the university’s infrastructure. Liberia’s donation of a 50-bed hostel and Sierra Leone’s provision of a modern video conferencing facility were highlighted as examples of institutional support. Minister Turay encouraged other member states to follow suit to ensure the continued success of RMU.
Minister Turay expressed appreciation to the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation for successfully organizing the event within just three months.
“Hosting this 34th Board Meeting, following Ghana and Cameroon’s inability to do so, reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional collaboration,” he said, commending his Permanent Secretary and the Committee of Experts for their leadership and coordination.
Hon. Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure of The Gambia, praised Sierra Leone for its hospitality and successful coordination of the meeting.
“The Gambia and Sierra Leone share deep historical ties, and we consider Sierra Leone a home away from home,” Minister Sillah said. “The Acting Vice-Chancellor and management of RMU have done a remarkable job, demonstrating resilience and proactive leadership during a challenging period for the university.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining RMU’s regional identity and ensuring fair representation and participation from all member states. “Countries like Guinea-Bissau joining us must be assured of full equality and participation. We owe it to the founding fathers to uphold the ideals of regional cooperation and maritime excellence,” he added.
Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority, conveyed fraternal greetings from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and commended Sierra Leone’s leadership in advancing regional maritime affairs.
Cllr. Lighe reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to RMU’s growth, citing the completion of modern dormitory facilities and the timely payment of annual contributions. He also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Port Authority of Liberia and RMU to promote specialized training in port management, cargo handling, environmental compliance, and digital transformation.
“This collaboration sets a precedent for productive industry-academia partnerships,” Cllr. Lighe said. “We must also prioritize research in maritime pollution control, ocean governance, climate adaptation, and gender empowerment.”
The Secretary-General of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr. Paul Adalikwu, expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone for hosting the meeting after Côte d’Ivoire faced financial constraints.
Dr. Adalikwu highlighted MOWCA’s recent achievements, including a $1.3 million grant agreement with the Government of Indonesia to support training and capacity building for African maritime professionals.
“This partnership has already trained over 70 participants from 15 member states,” Dr. Adalikwu revealed. “Indonesia has also pledged to assist our graduates with sea-time placement opportunities on international vessels an area that has long challenged African maritime institutions.”
He also announced upcoming collaborations with the Singapore Maritime Authority to support maritime capacity building and technical training, stressing the importance of timely member state contributions to sustain both RMU and MOWCA operations.
Representing Ghana, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to advancing maritime education through the ongoing construction of a new Auditorium and Lecture Hall Complex at the RMU campus in Accra.
“This project will provide state-of-the-art facilities for effective teaching, learning, and research,” Minister Nikpe said. “It will further solidify the university’s position as a center of excellence in maritime education and training.”
He emphasized the need to strengthen accreditation, expand research, and foster international partnerships to enhance RMU’s global competitiveness.
“Let us continue working together in unity and mutual trust to ensure RMU produces competent, globally competitive maritime professionals who will drive Africa’s blue economy,” he concluded.
The 34th Session of the RMU Board of Governors reaffirmed the member states’ collective commitment to the university’s mission of developing skilled maritime professionals, promoting regional integration, and expanding Africa’s participation in the blue economy.
With Guinea-Bissau’s induction as the newest member, the Regional Maritime University continues to serve as a beacon of African unity, maritime education, and international cooperation.