Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to strengthening maritime safety, environmental protection, and regional cooperation within the framework of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Abuja MoU).
Speaking at the 3rd Bureau of Ministers Meeting of the Abuja MoU held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, Oyetola said Nigeria remains determined to align its maritime governance with international standards while advancing the collective interests of West and Central Africa in global shipping.
The Minister’s remarks were contained in a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, special adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering support for the objectives of the Abuja MoU, Oyetola highlighted concrete steps being taken by the federal government to improve maritime administration, including stricter enforcement of port state control and the removal of substandard vessels from Nigerian waters.
He highlighted the recent approval of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council. The policy, he said, provides a comprehensive framework for safer, cleaner, and more sustainable maritime operations, aligning with global best practices and the ideals of the Abuja MoU.
According to Oyetola, the policy underscores Nigeria’s determination to build a thriving blue economy that promotes economic growth, protects ocean health, creates jobs, and enhances maritime safety.
He urged member states of the Abuja MoU to strengthen enforcement mechanisms within their jurisdictions and to support the institutional resilience of the Secretariat.
He also cautioned against allowing the region to become a dumping ground for substandard vessels, warning that poor compliance could result in accidents with far-reaching national, regional, and global consequences.
The minister emphasised that effective port state control remains fundamental to unlocking the full potential of the blue economy, particularly in a region where most vessels calling at ports are foreign-flagged rather than locally owned.
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Oyetola explained that the Bureau of Ministers would review and endorse the records of the 15th Port State Control Committee Meeting to ensure that officers are well empowered to fulfil their statutory duties. He stressed that the Abuja MoU must continue to serve as a catalyst for safer shipping practices, stronger compliance, and deeper technical cooperation among member states.
He assured that Nigeria remains ready to share its expertise and collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of port state control in West and Central Africa.
The minister also underscored the importance of strengthening the Abuja MoU Secretariat, urging member states to meet their financial obligations and support the Secretariat’s programmes. These contributions, he noted, are vital to sustaining the Secretariat’s efficiency and coordinating regional efforts effectively.
As part of Nigeria’s broader maritime diplomacy, Oyetola used the occasion to seek the support of fellow African ministers for Nigeria’s candidature in the forthcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council elections under Category C. He stated that Nigeria’s inclusion on the IMO Council would help advance the objectives of the Abuja MoU and amplify Africa’s collective voice in global maritime governance.
