By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown, Sierra Leone Sierra Leone demonstrated its growing influence in regional maritime affairs by hosting the 34th Session of the Board of Governors of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) on November 6, 2025. This landmark meeting saw the Republic of Guinea-Bissau officially inducted as the sixth member state of the institution, joining Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone.
The high-level gathering attracted ministers of transport, maritime administrators, and representatives from various international organizations to discuss key topics including maritime education, capacity development, and regional cooperation across West and Central Africa.
In his keynote address, Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, welcomed delegates on behalf of President Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He described Guinea-Bissau’s admission as a “historic milestone” in the 42-year history of the RMU.
“Today’s gathering marks a new chapter in African unity,” Minister Turay stated. “The inclusion of Guinea-Bissau reflects our collective commitment to regional integration, maritime excellence, and shared development.”
Minister Turay acknowledged the Liberia Maritime Authority for its generous donation of a 50-bed hostel to the university and praised Sierra Leone’s contribution of a modern video conferencing facility to enhance remote learning capabilities. He also expressed gratitude to the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, and his ministry for organizing the meeting within a tight three-month timeframe following the inability of other member states to host.
Hon. Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure for The Gambia, commended Sierra Leone’s hospitality and recognized RMU’s management for successfully navigating challenging times. He emphasized the importance of equitable participation among all member states, especially the newly joined Guinea-Bissau.
Liberia’s Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the RMU, highlighting a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between Liberia’s National Port Authority and the university aimed at enhancing training in port management and environmental compliance.
Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary-General of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), announced new partnerships to expand maritime training opportunities, including a $1.3 million grant from Indonesia and collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Authority for technical training programs.
Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport for Ghana, reiterated his government’s support through the construction of a modern Auditorium and Lecture Hall Complex at the RMU campus in Accra, part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the university’s academic infrastructure.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitments from all member states to enhance maritime education, research, and professional development across the sub-region. With Guinea-Bissau’s inclusion, the Regional Maritime University now stands as a six-member consortium dedicated to advancing Africa’s blue economy, regional integration, and global maritime competitiveness.
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