Worried by the environmental challenges from carbon emissions in shipping, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, has assured that the federal government will deepen investments in new technologies and alternative fuels to guarantee safe shipping operations in the country.
Oyetola, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Oloruntola Olufemi, was speaking during the celebration of World Maritime Day (WMD) 2024 in Lagos.
His words: “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, which is the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a crucial International Maritime Organization (IMO) treaty regulating maritime safety. Since the IMO’s founding in 1948, safety has been at the forefront 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.”
He opined that in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Marine and 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 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.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Administration, Safety and Education, Hon. Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim, affirmed the legislators commitment to developing the requisite laws to support the maritime industry.
On his part, the President of Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Engr. Israel Obadan, commended the maritime industry, especially the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Navy for the new lease of calmness on the nation’s maritime domain.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is focused on maintaining a sustainable maritime future for Nigeria.
“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,” the NIMASA boss stated.
The President of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mr. Aminu Umar encouraged the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the industry to continue supporting youths to explore career opportunities and vocations in the maritime sector
The event also featured the presentation of awards, cash prizes and scholarships to some secondary and tertiary institution students who wrote articles on the blue economy.
While handing over the awards, a former Minister of Interior and Chairman, Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, congratulated the winners of the competition.
“Let this be a lesson to our students that hardwork and diligence pays,” he remarked.
