“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”
In a very colourful ceremony on Thursday, September 26, 2024, Nigeria joined other countries of the World to celebrate the World Maritime Day.
The event which brought together the ‘who’s who’ in the maritime and shipping sectors of the nation’s economy, took place in Lagos.
Among those in attendance were dignitaries from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the United States of America Consulate in Nigeria, members of the National Assembly and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Others are the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC); Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State; Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, the National Inland Water Ways Authority (NIWA); the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Alternate Representative at IMO, the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors, NLNG, among others.
The occasion had Prof. Lawrence Awosika as Special Guest of Honour, in an event that witnessed presentation of papers and awards to students who excelled in the essay competition organised by NIMASA, NIWA and NPA as part of the preparation for the celebration.
The theme of this year’s World Maritime Day is “Navigating the Future: Safety First.”
In his keynote address, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, assured that the Federal Government would 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, said: “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 Organisation (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 digitalization 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 of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Administration, Safety and Education, Hon. Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim, affirmed the legislators’ commitment to developing the requisite laws to support the maritime industry.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, in his goodwill message called for renewed dedication to safety and assured that the agency was 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.
The DG NIMASA noted that the theme, ‘Navigating the Future, Safety First’ is one of the many ways the IMO is drawing attention to the need to keep pace with the on-going transformation in shipping and innovative solutions, that will drive a safer and more sustainable future for the industry.
“This years’ theme resonerates deeply with NIMASA’s core missions and visions in the Nigerian Maritime sector.”
He asserted that there are many challenges in the Nigerian Maritime industry.
He, however, noted that the challenges provide opportunities for tremendous successes in the industry.
“Rapid technology advancement, environmental concerns, sustainability, and evolving global trade are some issues affecting the industry. While we confront these challenges, we must accord safety a total priority. In this regard, we must invest cutting edge safety technology, emphasise training and capacity building for the maritime sector, strengthen our regulatory framework to meet with the international standards; forster collaborations between the public and private sectors.”
He averred that NIMASA is leading the way to creating a safer and more efficient and sustainable maritime future Nigeria and beyond.
Dr Irvin of the US Consulate called for collaboration, cooperation and partnership and coordination on mutual priorities to achieve the goals.
Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (rtd), Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeira (MAN); Oron, in a goodwill message, said the theme was very apt, making reference to maritime accidents that occurred in recent times.
The MAN, Oron Rector, said the recent one was in US where a merchant ship has collision. He said that the accident was avoidable because assumptions were made, but, “We don’t manage, but take measures.”
He said that at the academy, they kept on researching on the accident and talking to their cadets because they navigate the future.
He averred that they calibrate due to the changing times.
“When the drum beat changes, the dancing steps also change.”
He commended the ministry for the enormous support given to the academy. He also commended NIMASA and maritime stakeholders for everything they have done to reposition the academy since he became the Rector in 2017.
“Today, I am proud to say we have an academy that Nigeria can boast of.
“We met a failed institution. But, with everybody here, including my ministry, NIMASA, today, I can boast that we have one of the best academies in the world.”
He urged all and sundry to support the academy, saying “it is our institution.”
Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, Deputy National President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for the effort he is making to bring the maritime sector to world standard, through training of the seafarers and the dockworkers.
Adeyanju, however, lamented that the agreement signed under the watch of the minister to better the welfare of shipping and maritime workers has not been implemented by their employers.
He also lamented that the benefits of the workers who worked under the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line, have not been paid years after the demise of the Shipping Line.
On his part, the President of 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 youth in exploring career opportunities and vocations in the maritime sector.
Also, Mr Buala Williams, from the office of the Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation, said that the World Maritime Day celebration reminded of the indispensable role that the maritime sector plays in facilitating global trade, fostering economic development, and advancing environmental sustainability.
“This year’s theme, ‘Navigating the Futher: Safey First, ‘ is timely reflection of the International Maritime Organisationb (IMO) continued commitment to enhancing maritime safety and security, while safeguarding the marine environment in an era of rapid technology change.
“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), we can take pride in the tremendous impact this treaty has had in setting international safety standards for ship construction, equipment and operation. It has been instrumental in preventing maritime disasters and saving countless lives at sea. However, as the IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez Velasco, aptly stated in his goodwill message, we cannot be complacent. This year’s theme challenges us to keep pace with the ongoing transformation in the shipping industry, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront as we steer towards the future.”
“As we commemorate this year’s World Maritime Day, I encourage all stakeholders to reflect on the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices in navigating the future. By embracing the spirit of this year’s theme, we can ensure that maritime safety remains paramount as we advance technologically and work towards sustainable development. Let us commit ourselves to safeguarding our oceans, in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UN SDG 14): Life Bellow Water, ensuring that our oceans remain a source of life, prosperity, and sustainable for generations to come.”
The 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 Organization’s mission.
Mrs Chinyere Uromta C., Acting Registrar/CEO, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), said that it has become more expedient that in navigating the future, they have to fly the banner of safety.
Making reference to the devastation in Borno a few weeks ago, Uromta said, “it becomes very clear about what climate change can do to our environment and world if not mitigated. It is good to know that IMO has set standards for the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) in ships, it is important we work towards that timeline and monitor compliance in our jurisdiction.”
The event also included the presentation of awards, cash prizes and scholarships to several secondary and tertiary institution students who wrote articles on the Blue Economy, sponsored by NIMASA.
About 150 entries were recorded by the one conducted by NPA.
The topic for the essay competition was the theme of 2024 IMO World Maritime Day celebration.
For NPA, Michael Esther Chinyere from Randle Secondary School to the 3rd position. She received a cash price of N300,000 with a brand new laptop. The first runner-up was Abass Abbdulramon Olamilekan from Okesuna Senior High School, an SS2 student. He went home with a brand new laptop and cash prize of N500, 000, while the first runner-up was Ada Ozuem. She got N800, 000, one laptop and a plaque, all courtesy of NPA. Seven other students warn N100, 000 each.
For the one organised by the National Inland Water Ways Authority (NIWA), for Secondary School Students, from 20 schools, three best students were selected. Second runner-up from Okesuna Senior Secondary School is Abass Abdulramon Olalekan. He will be taken on a study visit to Port Novo. The first runner-up is Nataly David. He will also be taken on tour of Port Novo. The overall winner was from Lagos State Model Senior Secondary College, Praise Oyewole Adebayo, who got a cash price of N250,000 and a trip to Ghana. NIWA was appreciated for the gesture, and wonderful presentation, which is believed will motivate other students.
The last set of the competition was organised by NIMASA. The section had a long list of winners.
These category focused on university students. They include Maritime University, Okerenkoko; Delta State Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State; Akwa Ibom State University; Rivers State University; Federal College of Technology; Fisheries, Marine Technology and Research, School of Petroleum, Efurun, among others. Seven of them were on the runner-up list.
Benjamin Ogwamadu of Marine Engineering, Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, another student from the same Marine Engineering, but of Akwa Ibom State University, Joel Essiet, From Federal College of Fisheries, Lagos, Master John Oluwafwemi Oluwasegun; Ann Olasoloye Olalamisokin, Marine Biology student, from the University of Lagos, Akoka; Nwachi Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, of Marine Engineering, of the University of Petrol Resources Efurun Warri, Christian Chuwkueze of the Maritime Univerisity, Okerenkoko, ,Michaeal Tochukwu. studying Marine Biology from Maritime University, Okenkoko. They received N100,000 each with plaques.
Joshua David Okwudili of the Maritime Academy Oron emerged overall best.
The Rector MAN Oron offered David automatic scholarship. He will run the remaining part of his graduate porgramme free for making the academy proud.
