The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on maritime administrations across West and Central Africa to strengthen Port State Control (PSC) systems to improve maritime safety, boost trade and maximise the benefits of Africa’s blue economy.
Oyetola made the call during the three-day Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Regional Workshop for Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations and Heads of Port State Control in Lagos.
The workshop also marked the official launch of the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity-Building Programme, supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, with participation from maritime regulators, technical experts and development partners across the region.
The minister said effective maritime governance remains critical to Africa’s economic transformation, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as efficient and secure maritime transport systems are essential for facilitating trade and regional integration.
He noted that Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s leading maritime hub depends on strong governance structures, safe shipping practices, effective Port State Control mechanisms and compliance with international maritime standards.
“World-class maritime governance, effective Port State Control, safe shipping practices and adherence to international standards are indispensable foundations for achieving that vision,” Oyetola said.
According to him, strengthening PSC across the region would improve maritime safety while supporting Africa’s economic growth through the development of a secure, efficient and internationally compliant maritime transport system.
The minister described the workshop theme, “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems,” as timely, noting that the maritime industry is being reshaped by technological advancement, environmental responsibilities, evolving regulations and changing global realities.
He said the programme represents a major strategic intervention aimed at equipping maritime leaders with the skills required to drive institutional reforms, strengthen governance frameworks and improve safety performance across member states.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), describing Port State Control as a key tool for eliminating substandard shipping, protecting the marine environment and ensuring the welfare of seafarers.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren, commended the Federal Government, maritime agencies and development partners for their support in advancing maritime safety in the region.
Umoren stressed that cooperation among member states remains vital to building a safer, more efficient and globally competitive maritime sector in West and Central Africa.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, also highlighted the importance of investment in capacity building and institutional development.
Mobereola disclosed that only 16 out of the Abuja MoU’s 22 member states currently conduct Port State Control inspections consistently, adding that Nigeria carried out 917 inspections in 2025, achieving an inspection rate of 23.5 per cent, above the regional benchmark of 15 per cent.
He said Nigeria’s performance reflects its commitment to enforcing international maritime conventions and promoting safer shipping practices across the region.
No comments:
Post a Comment