The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s minimal contribution to the global fleet, which stands at less than two percent.
He emphasized that this heavy reliance on imports from other regions complicates the transition to near-zero emissions for the shipping sector, a challenge Nigeria must confront.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation in Abuja, Oyetola highlighted that the global shipping industry is at a crucial turning point.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is set to finalize and adopt the policy framework on the Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy and the Basket of Midterm Measures by this autumn.
Oyetola warned that Africa, along with other developing regions, could face significant challenges due to increased transport costs resulting from the energy transition to near-zero and zero emissions.
He stressed the importance of developing strategic partnerships that do not revert to extractive models but instead foster industrial growth and sustainable development within Africa.
“As a coastal continent with 38 coastal nations, we have the opportunity to leverage the energy transition to enhance our ports and catalyze the industrialization of Africa,” Oyetola stated. “We must carefully develop meaningful discussions and partnerships that do not set us back but rather build our region’s strength and global position.”
The minister emphasized that Africa’s maritime sector holds significant potential to become a global leader in green shipping, thanks to its strategic geographic advantage, renewable energy resources, and expanding port infrastructure.
However, achieving this requires collaboration between public and private sectors, as well as development partners, to align investments with sustainability and economic growth.
He called for a fair and equitable approach to shipping decarbonisation, ensuring that no African nation is left behind.
Oyetola also underscored the need for ambitious climate action while addressing the unique challenges faced by developing economies, including access to technology and capital, energy poverty, food insecurity, and capacity building.
“Decarbonising the shipping industry must be pursued in a manner that is just and equitable, ensuring that no African nation is left behind,” he stated.
Similarly, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, noted that the shipping industry accounts for approximately three percent of global GHG emissions.
He stressed that decarbonisation supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Mobereola highlighted that shipping decarbonisation efforts aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry, which is a significant contributor to global climate change.
In his remarks, the Liberian Representative to the IMO, Harry Conway, emphasized the importance of Africa’s participation in global decision-making processes, noting that approximately 80 percent of global trade is conducted by sea, with Africa relying on sea-borne trade for 90 percent of its commerce.
Conway urged African nations to be actively involved in the IMO to ensure their interests are adequately represented and addressed.
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