The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has expressed support for the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Capacity Building Programme, describing it as a significant initiative towards improving maritime governance and strengthening Port State Control operations across West and Central Africa.
The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, gave the endorsement during the launch of the programme in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to initiatives aimed at promoting maritime safety, security, regulatory compliance and sustainable development within the region.
Dantsoho said the programme would provide maritime administrations with the technical knowledge, skills and institutional capacity required to effectively implement Port State Control measures, comply with international maritime conventions and improve the performance of member states under the Abuja MoU framework.
“The Capacity Building Programme is designed to equip maritime administrations with the knowledge, skills and technical capacity required to implement Port State Control measures effectively, ensure greater compliance with international maritime conventions and improve the overall performance of member states within the Abuja MoU region,” he said.
The NPA chief executive commended the Chairman of the Abuja MoU, Hon. Ebrima Sillah, Gambia’s Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, for his leadership in advancing regional maritime cooperation.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who serves as Vice-Chairman of the Abuja MoU, as well as the Secretariat led by Captain Sunday Umoren.
According to Dantsoho, the commitment and leadership of key stakeholders have continued to drive the objectives of the regional agreement on Port State Control for West and Central Africa.
He expressed optimism that increased collaboration among member states would enhance the effectiveness of maritime inspections, improve safety standards and contribute to the growth of the maritime sector across the region.
The Abuja MoU Capacity Building Programme is expected to strengthen institutional capabilities, promote adherence to global maritime standards and deepen cooperation among countries responsible for Port State Control activities in West and Central Africa.
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