Nigeria’s Maritime Hub Ambition Hinges On Effective Port State Control – Oyetola

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Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s leading maritime hub depends on a robust Port State Control (PSC) regime, strict compliance with international maritime standards and stronger regional cooperation, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and Vice Chairman of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central African Region (Abuja MoU), Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has said.

Oyetola stated this while declaring open the Abuja MoU Regional Workshop in Lagos; a 3-day programme for Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations, attended by representatives from 22 West and Central African countries.

The Nigerian Blue Economy Minister said the event, alongside the launch of the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity Development Programme, supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies the marine and blue economy as a key driver of economic growth, trade, employment and sustainable development.

According to the minister, achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s foremost maritime hub requires an efficient Port State Control system, strong maritime institutions and full compliance with international conventions.

He equally remarked that effective maritime regulation is also critical to unlocking the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through safer shipping and seamless regional trade.

Speaking on the workshop’s theme, “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime,” Oyetola said rapid technological change, environmental challenges and evolving global shipping demands require maritime administrations to adopt more responsive regulatory frameworks.

While highlighting Nigeria’s continued investment in legislative reforms, institutional capacity and maritime administration, he acknowledged that many Abuja MoU member states still face challenges, including shortages of qualified inspectors and limited technical expertise.

While commending the Nigerian government and maritime agencies for their sustained support and other stakeholders for advancing the organisation’s objectives, Abuja MoU Secretary-General, Capt. Sunday Umoren, called for more synergy and collaborations among maritime regulators within the region, stressing that ship inspections should be minimised to expedite ship turnaround time.

Umoren also acknowledged the support of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) and other development partners for strengthening maritime governance and Port State Control in West and Central Africa.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius MON, described the capacity-building initiative as a strategic investment in leadership and human capital, stressing that effective Port State Control is essential for safer shipping, environmental protection, trade facilitation and investor confidence.

The NSC boss called for stronger collaboration, harmonised inspection standards and policy reforms to improve regional compliance.

Also speaking, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola urged member states to invest more in institutional development and technical capacity to strengthen Port State Control operations.

He noted that only 16 of the 22 Abuja MoU member states currently conduct regular PSC inspections, even as he revealed that NIMASA conducted 917 Port State Control inspections in 2025, achieving an inspection rate of 23.5 percent, well above the Abuja MoU minimum benchmark of 15 percent.

In his remarks, the African Head, Lloyds Register Foundation, Mr. Sam Megwa, encouraged Abuja MoU member states to go beyond the number of ships inspected in their assessment of Port State Control performance, but the integrity of activities after the inspection.

Megwa, however, posited that the Lloyds Register Foundation doesn’t influence PSC regulations of countries and the body only provides technical support and some fiscal interventions.