Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian government is set to ramp up investments in new technologies and alternative fuels to ensure safer and more efficient shipping operations, according to the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Speaking during the 2024 World Maritime Day (WMD) celebrations in Lagos, Oyetola, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, underscored the importance of upgrading the country’s maritime infrastructure.
The event, themed “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” marked the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, a pivotal international treaty regulating maritime safety.
“For 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.
“The year 2024 marks a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a crucial treaty by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that regulates maritime safety. Since its founding in 1948, the IMO has prioritized safety as a central aspect of its mission.
“Nigeria has consistently worked to align its regulatory framework with IMO standards and other international maritime regulations, reinforcing our commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety,” oyetola stated.
Oyetola highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with efforts by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to advance the maritime sector. These efforts include digitalizing and automating port operations to enhance safety and reduce costs, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development in the industry.
“Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalization and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as performance optimization to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development,” he remarked.
Legislators also showed their support for the industry, with Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, and Hon. Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Administration, Safety, and Education, pledging commitment to developing supportive laws.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), called for renewed efforts towards safety, innovation, and sustainability, assuring that NIMASA is committed to shaping a sustainable future for Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“Let us renew our dedication for safety, innovation and stewardship in the maritime sector. Together, we can navigate a safer future for our maritime industry,” Mobereola stated.
Engr. Israel Obadan, President of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), praised the efforts of NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy in securing the nation’s maritime domain, while Mr. Aminu Umar, MD/CEO of Sea Transport Services, urged the industry to continue encouraging youth to explore career opportunities in maritime vocations.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards and scholarships to secondary and tertiary students who excelled in essay competitions on the Blue Economy, sponsored by NIMASA.
Former Minister of Interior Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, who presented the awards, lauded the students for their hard work, encouraging them to see their success as a testament to diligence.
World Maritime Day has been celebrated globally since 1978 to promote shipping safety, maritime security, and the preservation of the marine environment, underscoring the mission of the International Maritime Organization.