The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime governance and regional cooperation with the opening of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) Regional Workshop for Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations in Lagos.
Declaring the workshop open, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, said the event and the launch of the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity Development Programme, supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, underscored the region’s resolve to improve maritime safety, regulatory compliance and institutional capacity.
He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s leading maritime hub through stronger port state control, adherence to international standards and enhanced regional collaboration, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Oyetola described the five-year programme as a transformative initiative that would strengthen inspection standards, improve governance and equip maritime administrations across West and Central Africa to address emerging industry challenges. Abuja MoU Secretary-General, Captain Sunday Umoren, commended the Federal Government, maritime agencies and development partners for their sustained support, describing collaboration as essential to building a safer and more efficient maritime sector.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, called for greater investment in capacity building and institutional development, noting that only 16 of the Abuja MoU’s 22 member states consistently conduct Port State Control inspections.
He disclosed that Nigeria carried out 917 inspections in 2025, achieving a 23.5 per cent inspection rate, well above the organisation’s 15 per cent benchmark. The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akutah, said effective leadership and stronger regional cooperation were critical to improving maritime safety, facilitating trade and boosting investor confidence across West and Central Africa.