NIMASA celebrates World Maritime Day 2024 in grand style : FG mulls technological investments, alternative fuels for safe shipping – Oyetola

NIMASA celebrates World Maritime Day 2024 in grand style  … FG mulls technological investments, alternative fuels for safe shipping – Oyetola

…NIMASA DG, Dr Mobereola harps on renewing dedication for safety, innovations

The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has assured that the Federal Government will increase investments in new technologies and alternative fuels to ensure safe shipping operations in the country.

Oyetola, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, spoke during the celebration of World Maritime Day (WMD) 2024 in Lagos, which had the theme “ Navigating the Future, Safety First”.

In his words, “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 SOLAS Convention, a crucial treaty by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that regulates maritime safety. Since its founding in 1948, the IMO has prioritised 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.”

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.

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

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

More so, the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, called for renewed dedication to safety and assured that the Agency is committed to maintaining a sustainable maritime future for Nigeria.

“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, 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 on the nation’s maritime domain.

The MD/CEO of Sea Transport Services Nigeria, Mr. Aminu Umar, encouraged the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the industry to continue supporting youths in exploring career opportunities and vocations in the maritime sector.

The event included presentation of awards, cash prizes and scholarships to several secondary and tertiary institution students, who wrote articles on Blue Economy, sponsored by NIMASA.

While presenting the awards, a former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, stated, “I congratulate the winners of the competition. Let this be a lesson to our students that hard work and diligence pay.”

Recall that World Maritime Day was first held 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 emphasising specific aspects of International Maritime Organisation’s mission.

Our Correspondent observed that the World Maritime Day 2024, was celebrated in grand style. The Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and NIMASA took the lead in organising the programme. It was a special occasion indeed, as top government functionaries, maritime agencies, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, freight forwarders, terminal operators, ship owners and numerous stakeholders graced the event.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (left) exchanging pleasantries with the Chairman/CEO Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company, Captain Iheanacho while SA-DG NIMASA, Administration and Operations, Olatunji Ahmed, looks on during the commemoration of 2024 World Maritime Day in Lagos

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi (middle); Director General of 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 NIMASA, during the commemoration of the 2024 World Maritime Day in Lagos.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, FM M&BE Oloruntola Olufemi (3rd right); Director, Maritime Security and Safety, FM M&BE, Babatunde Bombata (2nd right); Director General, Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola (right) Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, William Bwala (left); Vice President, Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors, AMES, Engr. Emmanuel Ilori (2nd left ) and Director Special Duties, FM M&BE, Vivian Nwosu (3rd left) during the commemoration of the 2024 World Maritime Day in Lagos.