Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has stated that Africa’s maritime sector has been positioned for what he called “green shipping”.
He therefore called on maritime stakeholders across the African continent to leverage the continent’s renewable energy potential to become a global leader in green shipping.
Oyetola who made the remark at the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonization which took place at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja recently stated that 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.
In the same vein, the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola has emphasized that Africa must prioritise sustainable and responsible maritime practices in line with international frameworks as the continent develops.
According to Oyetola, 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.
Continuing, Oyetola said: “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.”
Mobereola who made his position known while presenting his welcome address at the occasion said: “The shipping industry accounts 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.”
The NIMASA helmsman noted that the focus of the two-day summit is 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 added..
A statement issued by NIMASA and signed by its Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie said key presentations at the summit include IMO’s Journey So Far in Its GHG Reduction Strategy by Dr. Harry Conway, Chairman of the IMO’s MEPC and Alternate Permanent Representative of Liberia to the IMO.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, a paper title “The Role of Africa’s Maritime Administrations in Shaping Shipping Decarbonization” was also presented by Mr. John Oming’o, President of the Association of African Maritime Administrations.
It noted that Oming’o highlighted the benefits of decarbonisation to include reduction of global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, job creation in renewable energy, ship building, research and development, improved air quality near ports and coastal cities, port modernisation for clean and efficient logistics, green fuel production hubs, among others.
Goodwill messages focused on the need for collaboration in achieving a green maritime environment in Nigeria and Africa were presented by Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff.
Ogalla commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA for its pivotal roles in Africa’s maritime industry and pledged Nigerian Navy’s commitment to contributing to the overall goal of decarbonization in the maritime domain, particularly within the Nigerian shipping and maritime environment.
