MONROVIA: The Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Liberia Maritime Authority wants research and innovation placed at the heart of maritime education to secure the future of the industry in West Africa.
Addressing the 32nd Board of Governors’ Meeting of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) recently in Monrovia, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe said education is the game changer for the maritime sector in the region.
“The maritime sector is evolving rapidly,” he said.
“For RMU to maintain its position as a premier institution, it requires continuous investment—not just in infrastructure but also in innovation, research, and human resource development.”
Cllr. Lighe’s speech highlighted the challenges facing the maritime industry including infrastructural gaps, changing global standards in maritime operations, and an increasing demand for skilled professionals.
He called upon member states to take collective responsibility for the success of RMU, advocating for coordinated investment and support from each nation to ensure that the institution flourishes.
“Our success hinges on the concerted efforts of each member state,” he said. “The continued viability and growth of RMU depend on contributions from all stakeholders, ensuring that the university has the resources and tools necessary to thrive,” he pointed out.
Liberia’s commitment to maritime training was also underscored. Commissioner Lighe noted the crucial role of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) in preparing future seafarers.
He revealed that 23 Liberian students are currently enrolled at RMU and are thriving in their studies, a testament to the quality of education offered.
Cllr. Lighe stressed the importance of collaboration among member states in transforming RMU into a world-class institution:
“The sustainability of RMU is not a single government’s task—it requires collective ownership, visionary leadership, and the continuous alignment of our goals.”
As the meeting concluded, Commissioner Lighe urged all stakeholders to focus on the strategic role RMU plays in national and regional development, encouraging investment in capacity-building, innovation, and collaboration to ensure a bright future for the maritime industry across West and Central Africa.
With a hopeful outlook, he stated, “May the year ahead bring renewed opportunities for growth and cooperation.”
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the RMU, Fanday Turay said “the Regional Maritime University continues to be a beacon of hope for Maritime Training in our region and we should all seek to maximize the benefits our various countries can derive from the training opportunities on offer.
The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration is taking advantage to offer training to Sierra Leoneans through a memorandum of understanding with RMU, where RMU trainers travel to Sierra Leone to conduct the training. This method has enabled more students to train than would have been possible to transport to Ghana. I urge us all as member states to make good use of the human and material resource and expertise available at the University.”
Also, the Secretary General of the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr. Paul Adalikwu said the hosting of the 32nd Board of Governors’ meeting in Liberia is a testament of the RMU continuous reaffirmation of the regionalization policy of the institution which we all agreed to. “I am particularly grateful for the warm hospitality that we have enjoyed from Liberia, the Category A country and hope this status will be brought to bear as we take critical decisions on issues that will continue to project the RMU and position it to compete with other similar specialized institutions globally,” he stated.
