Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi (middle); Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola (2nd left); President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, NCS, Aminu Umar (Left); Managing Consultant/CEO Samuelson, Tony Epelle (left); presenting an award to David Joshua Okwudiri from Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron (2nd right), the winner of an essay competition organised by the NIMASA, during the commemoration of the 2024 World Maritime Day in Lagos.
The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has assured that the Federal Government will increase investments in new technologies and alternative fuels to ensure safe shipping operations in the country.
Speaking during the celebration of World Maritime Day (WMD) 2024 in Lagos, which had the theme “ Navigating the Future: Safety First”,
Oyetola who was represented by Mr. Michael Oloruntola Olufemi, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, urged maritime stakeholders to reassess the sector’s safety and security challenges, particularly as emerging technologies and alternative fuels aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. He highlighted that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is taking proactive steps to adopt innovative technologies and promote sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
In 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: the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a crucial treaty by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that regulates maritime safety. Since its founding in 1948, the IMO has prioritized safety as a central aspect 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."
Continuing, "The years theme emphasizes the international Maritime Organization (IMO) dedication to enhancing Maritime safety, Security and environmental protection, while also encouraging innovation and technological advancement. The theme presents us with an opportunity to reflect on the strides Nigeria has made in developing it's Maritime sector, positioning it as key drive of our national economic growth".
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, in his goodwill message, said that this day serves as a reminder of the vital role that the maritime industry plays in our global economy, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage.
"Today, we celebrate the vital role that maritime industries play in connecting the world and driving global commerce,
“From the dedicated sailors navigating vast oceans to the innovative technologies advancing maritime safety, every contribution is a testament to the spirit of exploration and cooperation.
World Maritime Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our maritime sector while also recognizing the challenges we face.
This year’s theme, “Navigating the Future, Safety First” resonates deeply with our commitment to fostering sustainable practices especially, within our waterways. As we gather here today, let us acknowledge the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that our maritime activities contribute positively to both economic growth and environmental stewardship
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, and the Chairman of the 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.
In his opening remarks, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, called for renewed dedication to safety and assured that the Agency is committed to maintaining a sustainable maritime future for Nigeria.
In his words"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,"
"Safety is crucial in the maritime industry, the theme of 2024 World Maritime Day, Navigating the future Safety first is one of the many ways in International Maritime Organization (IMO) is drawn attention to the need to keep pace with the ongoing transformation in shipping and innovative solutions that will drive a safer and more sustainable future for the industry, these year theme resonate deeply with NIMASA core missions and vision for Nigeria Maritime sector".
"There are many challenges in the maritime industry, these challenges also provide opportunities for tremendous success in the industry, lagging technology advancement environmental concerns, sustainability and involving global trade and some issues in the industry", Mobereola stated.
Speaking also at the event, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, represented by the Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services, Engr. Ibrahim Umar, revealed that the NPA is in the final stages of deploying the Port Community System (PCS), stating that the PCS would lay the groundwork for the Federal Government’s National Single Window Project, further enhancing port efficiency.
“Automation is the linchpin of port efficiency, and the PCS implementation will drive modernization in port infrastructure and equipment, helping Nigeria remain competitive globally,” Dantsoho said.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between policymakers, investors, and stakeholders in achieving the goals of the World Ports Sustainability Program, which focuses on making global port operations safer and more secure.
The MD/CEO of Sea Transport Services Nigeria, Mr. Aminu Umar, encouraged the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the industry to continue supporting youth in exploring career opportunities and vocations in the maritime sector.
Presentation of awards, cash prizes and scholarships were also given to several secondary and tertiary institution students who wrote essay on the Blue Economy, sponsored by NIMASA.
A former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, While presenting the awards,, congratulated the winners of the competition, as he told them that this should be a lesson to our students that hard work and diligence pay."
World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the IMO Convention. Since then, celebrations have taken place worldwide to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, while emphasizing specific aspects of International Maritime Organization’s mission.
Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (left) exchanging pleasantries with the Chairman/CEO Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company, Captain Iheanacho while SA-DG NIMASA, Administration and Operations, Olatunji Ahmed, looks on during the commemoration of the 2024 World Maritime Day in Lagos.
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