…We must prioritise sustainable, responsible maritime practices – Mobereola
Lagos, March 19, 2025- Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has called on maritime stakeholders in Africa to leverage the continent’s renewable energy potential to become a global leader in green shipping.
The minister made the call at the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonization, held in Abuja on Monday.
He said with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advancing efforts to adopt the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy, Africa must assert its presence and safeguard its interests.
Similarly, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), emphasized that Africa must prioritise sustainable and responsible maritime practices in line with international frameworks as the continent develops.
Oyetola said, “With over 90 per cent of global trade facilitated by maritime transport, reducing GHG emissions from shipping is not just an environmental necessity, but an economic imperative.
“Africa must ensure that its voice is heard, and its interests safeguarded in shaping policies that impact our economies and livelihoods.
“Shipping decarbonisation goes beyond just shipping, as it touches various sectors of the economy and livelihoods.
“Decarbonising the shipping industry must be pursued in a manner that is just and equitable, ensuring that no African nation is left behind.
“Africa’s maritime sector is uniquely positioned to leverage its strategic geographic advantage, renewable energy potential, and growing Port infrastructure development to become a global leader in green shipping.
“This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to align investments with sustainability and economic growth,” Oyetola said.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of NIMASA, said the shipping industry accounted for approximately 3 percent of global GHG emissions, contributing to climate change.
“The environmental concerns arising from these emissions have created a sense of urgency, driving the world to focus on shipping decarbonization, and Africa must not be left behind.”
Mobereola said the focus of the two-day summit would on Africa’s cooperation regarding the IMO’s GHG strategy and the basket of mid-term measures, ensuring a just and equitable transition for the continent and enhancing its technical capacity for climate action.
“The decisions we make today will shape the future of our maritime industry and our contribution to global climate goals.
“This summit provides a unique opportunity to align our regional strategies with international frameworks while addressing Africa’s challenges and opportunities,’ he said.
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