The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has put all necessary efforts, policies, and strategies in place to ensure that the nation’s maritime sectors becomes a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development.

This was in Lagos yesterday, by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Addressing stakeholders at the World Maritime Day 2024 in Lagos, Oyetola said that his ministry, “in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive economic growth.

Key among the initiatives taken by the ministry, Oyetola said, “Is digitalisation and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as a performance optimisation to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development.”

Oyetola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Michael Oloruntola said the federal government is making significant strides in the nation’s maritime industry to boost the economy

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister added, is also “investing heavily in port modernisation to reduce inefficiencies, lower operational costs, and improve safety in our ports. This process is being financed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangements.”

The theme of the event is: Navigating the Future, Safety First

The President Tinubu administration, Oyetola added, “Is investing in upgrading our facilities and building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade.”

The Minister said further that, “the theme emphasises the International Maritime Organisation’s dedication to enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, while also encouraging innovation and technological advancement. This theme presents us with an opportunity to reflect on the strides Nigeria has made in developing its maritime sector, positioning it as a key driver of our national economic growth.

“As we embrace this moment, we must re-examine the safety and security challenges that confront our maritime sector, particularly in the context of new technologies and alternative fuels that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from ships. To safeguard both shipping safety and operational efficiency, we must invest in upgrading our facilities and building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade.

The year 2024, Oyetola said, “Marks a significant milestone, which is the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a crucial International Maritime Organization (IMO) treaty regulating maritime safety. Since the IMO’s founding in 1948, safety has been at the forefront 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.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive growth. Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalization 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.

As you are aware, “the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is investing heavily in port modernisation to reduce inefficiencies, lower operational costs, and improve safety in our ports. This process is being financed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangements.

The federal government, Oyeyola said, has also made significant progress in creating a conducive environment for port operations by aligning its policies with global best practices.

This, he said, “has enhanced safety, security, and efficiency in our ports, leading to notable reductions in the delays associated with processing exports and imports. However, achieving the world-class standards we aspire to, will require continued support from the private sector, whose collaboration is essential in providing the resources and state-of-the-art facilities needed to take Nigeria’s maritime industry to a higher trajectory.

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“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, achieving safety in our maritime environment is a goal well within reach, but it requires collective effort. With the diverse range of industry players and stakeholders present here today, I am confident that this edition of World Maritime Day will set the stage for a transformative future, one that drives Nigeria’s maritime sector towards unprecedented growth and prosperity,” the Minister said.

In his address, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho said the agency is entrusted with ensuring safety and sustainability.

“This dual focus—on safety and environmental stewardship—reflects the growing recognition of our responsibility to address the environmental challenges that impact the world today, especially those tied to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships Safety is not only about protecting lives and property but also about safeguarding our environment for future generations.

In navigating the future of maritime trade, the NPA chief said: “It is critical that we integrate safety considerations into how we manage port operations, reduce emissions, and implement sustainable practices. A secure, clean, and efficient port system is central to maintaining the safety and integrity of maritime operations, and at NPA, we are committed to this vision.

The maritime industry, the MD NPA added, “Accounts for roughly 3 percent of global GHG emissions, and as international trade continues to grow, this figure could rise if not addressed.

“For Nigeria, as a coastal and maritime nation, this presents both an environmental and economic risk. Climate change, driven by increased GHG emissions, poses serious threats, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events, which endanger our port infrastructure and surrounding communities. In our efforts to ensure the safety of the environment and maritime operations, we must tackle the issue of GHG emissions head-on. As part of our strategy, we aim to make our ports more environmentally friendly by implementing measures that will reduce carbon footprints across all port activities.”

To address these challenges, he said: “The Nigerian Ports Authority is proud to announce the development of a Port Emissions Inventory. This will be a comprehensive tool to measure and monitor emissions from all port-related activities, including vessels at berth, cargo-handling equipment, and port service vehicles. The emissions inventory will allow us to have a clear and precise understanding of the sources of GHG emissions at our ports.

“By quantifying these emissions, we will be able to develop targeted strategies for reducing them, track our progress, and ensure compliance with both national and international environmental standards. This inventory represents a proactive step in addressing the environmental impacts of port operations while enhancing transparency and accountability in our environmental management practices. In line with international maritime conventions, the Nigerian Ports Authority has taken steps to enhance existing “Port Reception Facilities,” he said.

In his address, the director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola said safety is crucial in the maritime industry.

He said: “There are many challenges in the maritime industry. These challenges also provide opportunities for tremendous success in the industry. Rapid technology advancement, environmental concerns, sustainability, and involving global trade are some issues affecting the industry.

“While we confront these challenges, we must accord safety an important priority. In this regard, we must, one, invest in cutting-edge safety technologies, two, emphasize training and capacity building for the maritime sector, three, strengthen our regulatory frameworks to meet international standards, and four, foster collaborations between the public and private sectors.”

NMASA, Mobereola said: “Is leading the way to creating a safer and more efficient and sustainable maritime future for Nigeria and beyond.

“As we commemorate this day, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. Your efforts are not just crucial but a trigger to navigating and shaping the Nigerian maritime industry’s future. I extend my thanks to the IMO, safe harbours, maritime industry stakeholders, global maritime communities, ministries, departments, and agencies, our developmental partners, and policymakers who continue to work tirelessly to promote safety values in the industry.

“We need to strengthen collaboration and cooperation to address the increasingly complex regime due to emerging technologies. Your involvement is crucial in this progress. Furthermore, let us renew our dedication to safety, innovation, and responsible stewardship in our maritime environment.

“This commitment is not just a goal but a promise that we must uphold. Together, we can navigate towards a brighter, safer future for our maritime industry. I urge us all to reflect on how far we have come and renew our commitment to making the maritime sector efficient for operation and safer, secure, and more sustainable for future generations,” Mobereola said.