Commissioner Lighe Re-echoes Liberia’s Unflinching Support and Commitment to RMU’s New Governing Leadership
The Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., has reaffirmed Liberia’s unwavering support and commitment to advancing the Regional Maritime University (RMU) under the leadership of its newly appointed Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who also serves as Ghana’s Minister of Transport.
Speaking during the Regional Maritime University’s 35th Board of Governors meeting held on June 26, 2026 in Accra, Ghana, Commissioner Lighe emphasized Liberia’s continued dedication to strengthening the premier maritime institution and ensuring that it remains a center of excellence for maritime education and professional development in Africa.
As a demonstration of Liberia’s commitment to the University, Commissioner Lighe disclosed that the Liberia Maritime Authority is working on a proposal to expand the student hostel constructed by the Government of Liberia through the addition of another floor. According to him, the expansion will significantly increase accommodation capacity and improve the welfare of students pursuing maritime education at the University.
Highlighting Liberia’s growing influence within the global maritime industry, Commissioner Lighe informed the gathering that Liberia has once again been re-elected to Category “A” of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while maintaining its position as the world’s largest ship registry by gross tonnage.
“Kindly permit me also to officially inform this gathering that Liberia was re-elected to the governing Council of the International Maritime Organization. We are once again occupying a Category ‘A’ seat,” Commissioner Lighe announced.
He expressed Liberia’s profound appreciation to African countries for their overwhelming support during the IMO Council elections, noting that the country’s continued success reflects its commitment to promoting Africa’s interests within the global maritime community.
“Liberia pledges to represent Africa with pride and distinction. We are also pleased to note that Liberia remains the largest ship registry in the world by gross tonnage. This achievement is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and compliance with international maritime instruments. The Regional Maritime University remains one of the key pillars in sustaining this success through the training of competent maritime professionals,” he said.
Commissioner Lighe also encouraged students of the University to remain committed to their academic pursuits and maintain discipline throughout their educational journey.
“Let your education remain your highest priority. Pleasure should always come second. By studying hard, you not only make yourselves proud, but you also bring honor to your families, your respective countries, and this great institution,” he urged.
The Liberian delegation to the RMU Governing Council meeting included members of Liberia’s Committee of Experts headed by Mr. Desire Satia, Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority. Other members of the delegation included Mr. Paul Fallah, Director of Risk Management and Quality Assurance; Mr. Joel Oscar Dickerson, Director of Training; Mr. John E. Quawah, Director of Human Resources; Mr. Mohamed Tulay, Head of Internal Audit; Ms. Hennistta Nyangbe, Head of the Audit Implementation Secretariat; along with other officials of the Authority.
Liberia remains one of the founding and strongest supporters of the Regional Maritime University and continues to invest in maritime education and human capacity development as part of its broader commitment to strengthening Africa’s maritime sector.
Source : LiMA
