At the 2024 World Maritime Day, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy emphasized the critical importance of maritime safety for seafarers, infrastructure, and the environment. The event, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, revolved around the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First.”
In his address, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Michael Oloruntola, highlighted the event’s significance in driving initiatives and policies within the maritime sector. He noted that the annual event provides an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s progress in maritime development, positioning the sector as a key driver of national economic growth.
Oyetola emphasized that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, which regulates maritime safety. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to aligning its regulatory framework with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and other global regulations. He also stressed that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, significant investments are being made in port modernization through public-private partnerships, aimed at reducing inefficiencies, lowering operational costs, and enhancing safety.
The Minister called for continued collaboration with the private sector to achieve world-class standards in Nigeria’s maritime industry, stressing the importance of state-of-the-art facilities in elevating the sector to a higher level.
Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), expanded on the event’s theme, stating that safety and sustainability must remain the guiding principles of maritime operations. He emphasized the need to address both environmental and safety challenges, especially those posed by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which account for 3% of global emissions and pose significant risks to Nigeria’s environment and economy.
“Climate change, driven by increased GHG emissions, threatens our port infrastructure and surrounding communities,” Dantsoho said, announcing the NPA’s development of a Port Emissions Inventory. This tool will measure and monitor emissions from port-related activities, including vessels, cargo-handling equipment, and service vehicles. By quantifying emissions, the NPA aims to develop targeted strategies for reduction, track progress, and ensure compliance with national and international standards.
He also outlined steps the NPA has taken to enhance port reception facilities for the safe disposal of waste generated by ships, including oil residues and hazardous materials, ensuring that maritime operations do not pollute the marine environment. Additionally, he noted efforts to expand and modernize these facilities to meet growing traffic and evolving regulations.
Dantsoho expressed the NPA’s commitment to adopting “smart port technologies” to digitalize operations, improve data management, and reduce the environmental impact of congested or inefficient ports. He also highlighted the practice of “slow steaming,” which involves reducing vessel speeds to cut fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
Urging stakeholders to work together, Dantsoho reaffirmed the NPA’s dedication to leading the maritime sector toward a future where safety and sustainability are the cornerstones of all operations.
