Nigerian Government Creates Sustainable Maritime Future For Global Sea Trade

David Adekunle,Lagos.

The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safer, more efficient and sustainable maritime future for the country to remain competitive in the national and international sea trade.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola disclosed this while speaking at the 2024 World Maritime Day commemoration in Lagos state Southwest Nigeria.

Oyetola who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Michael Oloruntola emphasize the need for Nigeria to re-examine the safety and security challenges that confront her maritime sector, particularly in the context of new technologies and alternative fuels that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from ships.

According to Oyetola, the World Maritime Day has been a catalyst for transformative initiatives and policy advancements among member governments and the maritime community,fostering excellence in the sector.

“This year’s theme emphasizes the international maritime,organization’s dedication to enhancing maritime safety, security and environmental protection.

“As we embrace this moment, we must re-examine the safety and security challenges that confront our maritime sector, particularly in the context of new technologies and alternative fuels that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from ships. To safeguard both shipping safety and operational efficiency, it is imperative that we invest in upgrading our facilities and building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade.

“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive growth. “Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are the digitalisation and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency, as well as performance optimisation to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development.

“As you are aware, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is investing heavily in port modernisation to reduce inefficiencies, lower operational costs, and improve safety in our ports. This process is being financed through public-private partnerships (PPP) arrangements. 

Ongoing transformation

Also speaking, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola underscore the important role of International Maritime Organization, (IMO) in drawing attention to the need to keep pace with the ongoing transformation in shipping and innovative solution that will drive a safer and more sustainable future for the industry. 

He said this year’s theme resonates deeply with the Nimasa core mission and vision for Nigeria maritime sector, adding that there are many challenges in the maritime industry and these challenges also provided opportunities for tremendous success, rapid technology advancement, environmental sustainability and evolving global trade. 

“Such issues affecting the industry while we confront these challenges, we must accord safety as important priorities. In this regard,we must invest in cutting edge safety technologies, emphasize training and capacity building to the maritime sector, strengthening our regulatory frameworks to meet international standards and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.

It is no doubt that Nimasa is leading the way to creating a safer and more efficient and sustainable maritime future for Nigeria and beyond. As we commemorate this year World Maritime Day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you present here, your efforts are not only important but crucial to navigate towards a sustainable maritime industry “.

Earlier in his speech, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho stated that the partnership with the Mission to Seafarers and the consequent development of the Seafarers Centre are a testament to the agency’s relentless commitment to maritime sector human capital development.

According to Dantsoho, “Beyond the fanfare, there is a need for every stakeholder here represented to arise from this celebration with a stronger commitment to take actions that create a better world for these distinguished calibre of men and women who power the maritime sector.

The World Maritime Day usually holds on every 26th September and this year theme is ” Navigating the future: Safety first”.