Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Nigeria will join the global community in celebrating the 2024 World Maritime Day on September 26, with the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First.” His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, affirmed the government’s dedication to aligning the nation’s maritime agencies with international safety standards.
In a statement highlighting the importance of safety in the maritime sector and government’s commitment to ensuring Nigerian maritime agencies adhere to internationally recognized safety measures. He emphasized that safety is key to fostering a robust and business-friendly maritime environment.
“This year’s theme is particularly relevant, as safety is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving a robust and business-friendly maritime sector.”
He reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is focused on maximizing the contribution of the Blue Economy to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), assured stakeholders and investors of the safety of Nigerian waters.
“Safety is at the core of our mandate at NIMASA. We are committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters growth in the maritime sector,” he stated.
Engr. Israel Obada, President of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), emphasized the critical importance of safety in maritime operations. He noted that vessel health and classification play vital roles in maintaining safety standards and are essential for the sector’s overall success.
Engr. Emmanuel Ilori, also of AMES expressed eagerness to collaborate with NIMASA to ensure the safety of all vessels operating in Nigerian waters, aligning with the goals of a sustainable Blue Economy.
World Maritime Day, first celebrated in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention, aims to raise awareness of maritime safety, security, and environmental issues.
Nigeria’s commemoration of World Maritime Day will take place in Lagos, where Oyetola and representatives from all relevant agencies will be present to underscore the nation’s commitment to maritime safety and development.