By Sandra Chukwunyere In a unanimous decision, the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Committee has reappointed Captain Sunday Umoren as Secretary-General for a second four-year term.
The committee, which comprises 22 member countries from West and Central Africa, recognized Captain Umoren’s exceptional leadership and contributions to the region’s maritime sector. The Abuja MOU is a regional organization that aims to promote maritime safety, security, and environmental protection through effective port state control.
The reappointment of Captain Umoren was made during the closed session of the Abuja MOU’s annual meeting, which is currently underway in Conakry, Guinea, from October 6th to 10th, 2025. The meeting brought together representatives from the 22 member countries to discuss key issues affecting the region’s maritime industry. The extension of Captain Umoren’s tenure is seen as a testament to his hard work and dedication to the organization’s goals.
Captain Umoren’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening port state control regimes across the region. His transformative reforms have improved maritime safety oversight, compliance monitoring, and capacity development for member nations. International maritime stakeholders have taken notice of his efforts, commending him for his outstanding leadership and vision. Under his stewardship, the Abuja MOU has become a model for effective regional cooperation and coordination.
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Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting was led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. The delegation also included the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Dr. Kenin Okonna; and the President of the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO), Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa. The presence of high-level officials from Nigeria underscores the country’s commitment to the Abuja MOU and its goals.
One of the key achievements of Captain Umoren’s tenure has been the improvement of regional maritime safety oversight. The Abuja MOU has worked tirelessly to ensure that member nations comply with international maritime regulations and standards. This has led to a significant reduction in maritime accidents and incidents in the region. Additionally, the organization has made significant strides in capacity development, providing training and technical assistance to member nations.
The Abuja MOU meeting also provides a strategic platform for Nigeria to galvanize continental support for its re-election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. The IMO Council is a critical body that sets global maritime policies and standards. Nigeria’s re-election into Category C would provide the country with a stronger voice in international maritime affairs and enable it to contribute more effectively to global maritime governance.
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Captain Sunday Umoren, Abuja MoU Secretary General.
reappointment of Captain Umoren has generated optimism among stakeholders that the region is poised for deeper collaboration and stronger regulatory alignment. This, in turn, is expected to lead to safer, cleaner, and more efficient maritime operations in Africa. With Captain Umoren at the helm, the Abuja MOU is likely to continue to play a critical role in shaping the region’s maritime sector and promoting sustainable development.
Newspoint247 reports that as the Abuja MOU continues to evolve and grow, it is likely to face new challenges and opportunities. However, with Captain Umoren’s leadership, the organization is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The extension of his tenure has provided a sense of continuity and stability, which is essential for the organization’s long-term success.
