Monrovia – The Regional Maritime University (RMU) continued its Board of Governors’ Meeting in Monrovia on Friday with the Ceremonial  opening, drawing ministers and officials from member states. In attendance were dignitaries including Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport, Mr. Alhaji Fanday Turay, Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Hon. Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe, Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, and the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) Secretary-General Dr. Paul Adalikwu, who praised Liberia’s warm hospitality.

Addressing attendees, Dr. Adalikwu noted Liberia’s unique status as Africa’s only nation in Category A according to the International Maritime Organization standards—a designation for countries with substantial international shipping interests. He expressed hope that Liberia’s influence would engender strategic decisions that would enhance RMU’s global standing.

Speaking at the opening, Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., reaffirmed Liberia's commitment to the university, underscoring the importance of sustained support from member states. He called for a collective investment to strengthen RMU’s infrastructure and curriculum. Commissioner Lighe, Sr. stressed that strengthening RMU is vital to maintaining global competitiveness in maritime education and meeting rising industry standards.

The meeting marked a milestone for Liberia’s maritime cluster and industry, and it is expected to guide strategic decisions in developing RMU as a leading institution in Africa’s maritime educational sector.

Monrovia, Liberia — The 32nd Board of Governors meeting of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) officially commenced today, November 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, Liberia. The gathering brings together maritime leaders from the five founding member states—Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone—who will discuss key strategies for advancing the region’s maritime sector.

The day began with a Committee of Experts meeting where industry professionals delved into pressing issues and policies aimed at enhancing the RMU’s operations and efficiency over the next six months. On Friday, November 8, the official Board of Governors meeting will be chaired by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Alhaji Fanday Turay, who serves as the Chancellor and Board Chairman.

As the RMU’s highest policy-making body, the Board of Governors, made up of ministers and heads of maritime agencies, will review ongoing initiatives and guide the future direction of the University. Established in 1983, the RMU is a key player in fostering regional cooperation and capacity-building in West Africa’s maritime industry.

This year’s meeting, hosted by Liberia, marks a significant moment for the country, underscoring its ongoing commitment to regional maritime cooperation. The Liberia Maritime Authority is expected to play a central role in the discussions, further solidifying the nation’s position as a leader in maritime affairs.

Monrovia, October 14, 2024 – The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) in collaboration with the National Port Authority (NPA) today kicked off a five-day workshop to boost Liberia’s oil-spill response preparedness. The workshop, running from October 14-18 at A'la Lagune in Monrovia, aims to strengthen Liberia’s collaboration with international partners to mitigate environmental risks and enhance national capacity for spill prevention and response.

Speaking at the opening, Liberia Maritime Authority Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. expressed gratitude to NPA for co-sponsoring the workshop and acknowledged the contributions of various partners and stakeholders, including Anaïs Guillou, GIWACAF Project Manager, Marittima Ltd technical consultants and Facilitators Ms Nicky Cariglia and Julke Brandt. He emphasized the importance of environmental protection and the need for robust preparedness measures. "Oil spills pose a serious threat to our marine environment, coastal communities, and the overall health of our oceans. This workshop is a critical step in strengthening our national capacity to respond effectively," he said.

LiMA - EU

Monrovia, Liberia, October 8, 2024 – The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) is exploring a new partnership with the European Union (EU) aimed at enhancing port safety and security in the country. Commissioner Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., Tuesday, October 8, 2024 held discussions with an expert mission from the French and Belgian Technical Cooperation agencies: Expertise France and Enabel, to potentially integrate Liberia's seaports into an EU-funded project on port safety.

The proposed project would focus on building Liberia’s capacity in cybersecurity, handling dangerous goods, and enhancing Port State Control personnel capabilities—key areas identified by LiMA as critical to maintaining the country’s maritime security. Liberia is a major maritime stakeholder globally and within the Gulf of Guinea region.

During the meeting, Commissioner Lighe, Sr. emphasized Liberia’s eagerness to strengthen its maritime security infrastructure. "The support of the European Union through this new project would prove pivotal to our vision for the safety of seagoing activities," he said. He also highlighted LiMA’s strategic goal of increasing Liberia’s representation at the World Maritime University (WMU), seeking more opportunities for young Liberians to benefit from advanced maritime education.

Beijing, China – September 25, 2024 – The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) reaffirmed its dedication to advancing sustainable maritime transport at the Global Sustainable Transport Forum 2024 (GSTF-2024) hosted by the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China in Beijing under the theme, "Sustainable Transport: Connecting the World through Logistics".

Addressing the GSTF-2024 on Wednesday, Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., emphasized Liberia’s pivotal role in the global maritime sector and outlining the nation's commitment to enhancing sustainability in international shipping.

In his speech, Commissioner Lighe, Sr. expressed his appreciation to the People’s Republic of China for its enduring partnership, particularly through the recent renewal of the Liberia-China Maritime Transport Agreement. This bilateral agreement is expected to further strengthen cooperation and ties between the two nations, advancing sustainable maritime trade and fostering economic growth.

He highlighted that 80% of global trade is facilitated by maritime transport, underscoring its indispensable role in maintaining global commerce. He called for the international maritime community to adopt energy-efficient technologies and promote the use of alternative fuels to reduce environmental impacts.

“Sustainable transport requires us to move people and goods without depleting the natural resources of our environment,” said Commissioner Lighe, Sr. “This means deploying energy-efficient technologies across all modes of transport, especially in the maritime sector, which remains the most efficient and essential to global trade.”

Liberia - In a strongly worded statement at the 132^nd session of Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), currently holding at the Headquarters of the IMO in London, condemns in the strongest terms the unwarranted and brutal attacks on vessels transiting the RED Sea by the Houthi Rebels of Yemen.