By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for stronger regional cooperation and sustained investment in Port State Control (PSC) to enhance maritime safety, regulatory compliance and sustainable shipping across West and Central Africa.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the Regional Workshop for Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations under the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) in Lagos, Oyetola said the workshop’s theme, “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance, and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems,” underscores the need for maritime administrations to embrace innovation, strengthen institutions and build human capacity in response to emerging global challenges.
The Minister noted that effective Port State Control remains critical to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading maritime hub and to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He described the launch of the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity-Building Programme, supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening maritime institutions, improving inspector competence and enhancing compliance with international maritime conventions.
According to him, although member states have made notable progress in implementing Port State Control activities, challenges such as inadequate technical capacity, shortages of qualified inspectors and institutional gaps continue to affect performance across the region.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) vision of promoting safe shipping, protecting the marine environment and eliminating substandard vessels through effective Port State Control.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding support for the Abuja MoU, including hosting its Secretariat and contributing to its institutional development and regional programmes.
The Minister expressed optimism that the workshop would deepen participants’ understanding of international maritime instruments, strengthen leadership within maritime administrations and produce practical recommendations to improve Port State Control systems across the Abuja MoU region.
He urged delegates to exchange ideas, share best practices and work collectively towards building stronger institutions, harmonising standards and creating safer, more resilient maritime systems for the benefit of the region.
Oyetola thereafter declared the workshop officially open and wished participants fruitful deliberations and a productive stay in Nigeria.
