Abuja MoU Workshop: Oyetola Calls for Maritime Administrative Innovations, Human Capacity Building

By Stella Okocha 

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for need for maritime administrations to embrace innovation, strengthen institutions and build human capacity in response to emerging global challenges.

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, he stated that stronger regional cooperation and sustained investment in Port State Control (PSC) will enhance maritime safety, regulate compliance and advance sustainable shipping across West and Central Africa.

According to Oyetola, the workshop’s theme, “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance, and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems,” will create an effective Port State Control, which is 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).

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 also emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding support for the Abuja MoU, including hosting its Secretariat and contributing to its institutional development and regional programmes.

He analysed 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 Oyetola, 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 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.