In order to guarantee safe maritime operations in the nation, the Federal Government will enhance investments in new technologies and alternative fuels, according to His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, Minister for Marine and Blue Economy.

With the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” Oyetola spoke at the World Maritime Day (WMD) 2024 celebration in Lagos. Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, represented Oyetola.

“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,” he said, speaking to safety and operational efficiency.

The 50th anniversary of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, an important agreement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that governs maritime safety, falls in 2024, which is a momentous year. Safety has been the IMO’s top priority and a key component of its mission since its founding in 1948. “Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of maritime safety is reinforced by the consistent efforts of Nigeria to align its regulatory framework with IMO standards and other international maritime regulations.”

He pointed out that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is actively enhancing the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and encouraging innovation to drive growth, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said, “The Ministry’s key initiatives include the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development, as well as performance optimization to reduce costs and increase reliability, as well as digitalization and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency.”

Speaking as well, the heads of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Administration, Safety, and Education and the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun and Hon. Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim, respectively, reaffirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to drafting the necessary legislation to support the maritime sector.

Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in the meantime, urged a redoubled commitment to safety and gave his word that the organization is dedicated to preserving Nigeria’s maritime future.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to stewardship, innovation, and safety in the maritime industry. “Together, we can steer our maritime industry toward a safer future,” Mobereola said.

The Nigerian Navy and NIMASA in particular, according to Engineer Israel Obadan, President of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), have been instrumental in restoring calm to the country’s maritime domain.

Mr. Aminu Umar, MD/CEO of Sea Transport Services Nigeria, urged the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the sector to keep helping young people consider careers and vocations in the maritime industry.

The occasion also featured the awarding of scholarships, cash prizes, and prizes to a number of secondary and university students who wrote articles on the Blue Economy under the auspices of NIMASA.

Former Interior Minister and Chairman of Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, said, “I congratulate the competition winners,” as he presented the awards. Let our students learn from this that perseverance and hard work are rewarded.

In commemoration of the IMO Convention’s 20th anniversary of going into effect, World Maritime Day was first observed in 1978. Since then, celebrations have been held all over the world to draw attention to the significance of maritime security, shipping safety, and the marine environment while highlighting different facets of the mission of the International Maritime Organization.

Credit: NIMASA News