The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has emphasised Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that maritime agencies under the ministry operate in accordance with global acceptable standards.
He spoke ahead of 2024 World Maritime Day with the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First”.
He said this year’s theme is particularly relevant, as safety is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving a robust and business-friendly maritime sector.
The minister said President Bola Tinubu’s administration “is dedicated to ensuring that the Blue Economy makes a significant contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
He said Deep Blue Project which was initiated by the government and led by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), addresses the complex security challenges in Nigeria’s waterways.
He said since its full deployment in 2021 within the Nigerian Continental Shelf, maritime security has been significantly enhanced.
He said: “Enhanced security is responsible for the record of zero piracy by Nigeria in the last 24 months and it is to be noted that the United Nations Security Council, at its 905th meeting, acknowledged the progress made by Nigeria in maritime security concerning the contributions of the deep blue project.”
He also stated the efforts of the ministry at ensuring that the nation’s ports compete favourably with other ports across the globe.
“Apart from our rehabilitation and modernisation efforts, we have continued to deploy assets and build infrastructure that would enhance efficient port operations.
For instance, only recently, we inaugurated two newly-acquired 80-tonne bollard pull tugboats, by the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), which were deployed to enhance the berthing of vessels at the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport.
“The vessels are already supporting port security, patrol, and surveillance and are helping to deliver efficient pilotage and towage services to help the growing cargo evacuation needs of the Lekki maritime corridor. These are part of the steps towards securing the ports, enhancing their efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation in the region.”
Oyetola also assured that the new regulatory transportation code would significantly standardise water transportation, minimise accidents, and provide a structured environment for potential investors.
The 2024 World Maritime Day is scheduled to hold in Lagos on Thursday, with Prof. Larry Awosika, Chairman, Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), as Special Guest of Honour. The event is expected to bring together stakeholders within the sector.
Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola assure stakeholders and investors that Nigerian waters are safe for investment and pledged to create an enabling environment for growth in the sector.
He said: “Safety is at the core of our mandate at NIMASA. Whether it’s the safety of lives and property at sea or the safety of investments, we are forward-looking and committed to implementing government policies that will ensure a sustainable future for maritime in Nigeria.”
The President, Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Israel Obada said the issue of safety could not be over-emphasized in the daily operations of the maritime sector.
“It is pertinent to state that the health of the vessels plying our waterways matters; because the classification of vessels plays a key role in assessing their overall health, which in turn impacts the maritime sector as a whole. This makes safety a priority in the sector, not only in Nigeria, but globally,” he said.
He added that the group is eager to collaborate with the Agency, ensuring that all ships that ply Nigerian waters are safe, thereby enhancing the safety of lives and property. This aligns with the goals of the Blue Economy for a sustainable ocean.
World Maritime Day was first celebrated 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 the IMO’s work. Nigeria’s commemoration of World Maritime Day 2024 is scheduled to take place in Lagos on September 26, 2024.
