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Nigeria Plans Fresh Investments, Alternative Fuels to Drive Safe Shipping ...As NIMASA pledges For New Innovations

By Anne Ejuka

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,  



The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed plans to increase investments in new technologies and alternative fuels to ensure safety of shipping operations in the country.


The honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON, made this known last Thursday at the 2024 edition of World Maritime Day WMD celebration held in Lagos, with the theme: “Navigating the Future: Safety First”.


Oyetola who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary at the ministry,  Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi said

“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 Safety of Lives at Sea SOLAS Convention, a crucial treaty by the International Maritime Organisation (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”, Oyetola said.


He noted that in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive growth.


Director General, (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola (left) exchanging pleasantries with the Chairman/CEO Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho while SA-DG NIMASA, Administration and Operations, Olatunji Ahmed, looks on

The Minister also said: “Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalisation and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as performance optimization to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development.”


Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Administration, Safety and Education, Hon. Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim, who also spoke separately at the event, affirmed the legislators’ commitment to developing the requisite laws to support the maritime industry.


The  Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, while speaking at the occasion, called for renewed dedication to safety and assured that the Agency's is commitment to maintaining a sustainable maritime future for Nigeria.


He said “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,” Mobereola stated.


On his part, the President of Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors AMES, Engr. Israel Obadan, commended the maritime industry, particularly NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, for fostering a new sense of calm within the nation’s maritime domain.


President of the Nigeria Chamber of Shipping and MD/CEO, 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.


This years's event also featured presentation of awards, cash prizes and scholarships to several secondary and tertiary institution students who wrote articles on the Blue Economy, sponsored by NIMASA.


A former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, while presenting the awards said: “I congratulate the winners of the competition. Let this be a lesson to our students that hard work and diligence pay.”



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