By SandraChukwunyere
The Secretary-General of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU), Captain Sunday Umoren, has applauded the unwavering support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, as Nigeria hosted the launch of the Abuja MoU’s five-year Port State Control (PSC) Capacity-Building Programme aimed at strengthening maritime safety and regulatory compliance across West and Central Africa.
Speaking at the opening of the Abuja MoU Regional Workshop for Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations in Lagos, Umoren described Oyetola as a dependable partner whose commitment has continued to advance the objectives of the Abuja MoU and improve maritime governance throughout the region.
The workshop, themed “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance, and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems,” brought together Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers, Heads of Port State Control, maritime experts, development partners and other stakeholders from member states across the Abuja MoU region.
Drawing inspiration from Sir Isaac Newton’s famous expression, “standing on the shoulders of giants,” Umoren said the achievements of the Abuja MoU have been made possible through the unwavering support of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and other strategic stakeholders.
He commended Oyetola for his consistent leadership and commitment to the organisation, noting that the Minister has remained readily available to support initiatives that promote Port State Control, maritime safety and the effective implementation of international maritime standards.
Umoren also acknowledged the contributions of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Olufunso Adebiyi; the Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Musa Gambo Jaji; the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima; and other maritime stakeholders for their continued support.
The five-year Port State Control Capacity-Building Programme, sponsored by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, was officially launched as a transformative initiative designed to strengthen Port State Control systems across West and Central Africa. The programme will focus on leadership development, institutional governance, inspector competency, technical capacity enhancement and operational excellence among member states.
Umoren commended the Lloyd’s Register Foundation for its strategic partnership and financial support, describing the Foundation as a critical partner in the drive to build stronger maritime institutions and enhance compliance with international maritime conventions throughout the region.
He also acknowledged the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), maritime professional associations, development partners and other regional stakeholders for their collaboration in advancing maritime safety and environmental protection.
According to him, the initiative represents a major step towards harmonising Port State Control practices, eliminating substandard shipping, improving inspection regimes and promoting safer, more secure and environmentally sustainable maritime operations across the Abuja MoU region.
He noted that all Abuja MoU member states were represented at the workshop, with only one country participating virtually, reflecting the growing commitment of member states to strengthening maritime safety and regulatory oversight.
The Abuja MoU boss also highlighted the importance of gender inclusion by recognising the female heads of maritime administrations in attendance and reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to promoting inclusive leadership within the maritime sector.
Umoren expressed confidence that the workshop and the newly launched five-year programme would deepen regional cooperation, strengthen maritime institutions, improve Port State Control performance and contribute significantly to safer shipping, cleaner oceans and sustainable maritime development across West and Central Africa.
