Nigeria observed the World Maritime Day on Thursday with the government and its agencies speaking of having taken steps and measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation for its growth.
Speaking at the event in Lagos, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola listed one of the key initiatives as the digitalization and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as performance optimization to reduce costs and increase reliability.
Represented by Michael Oloruntola, his permanent secretary, the minister also spoke of the adoption of innovative practices to propel the industry towards sustainable development.
According to Oyetola: “The government has also made significant progress in creating a conducive environment by aligning its policies with global best practices. This has enhanced safety security, and efficiency in our ports, leading to notable reductions in the delays associated with processing exports and imports.
“However, achieving the world-class standard we aspire to, will require continued support from the private sector, whose collaboration is essential in providing the resources and state-of-the art facilities needed to take Nigeria’s maritime industry to higher trajectory.”
Alluding to the concept of the theme of the day as ‘Navigating the Future – Safety First’, Chinyere Uromta, acting registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), said it was good to know that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set standards for the reduction of greenhouse gas in ships, pointing out, “it is important we work towards that timeline and monitor compliance in our jurisdiction.”
Bwala Williams, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, said it was important to recognize the increasing pressure on our oceans from pollution, over fishing and climate change for which Nigeria is committed to addressing through robust management of its maritime resources.
“Our efforts will continue to align with global standards and international cooperation, recognizing that maritime issues transcend national boundaries and require collective global response,” he said.
On the occasion, President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Adeyanju Adewale said; “Without mincing words, seafarers are the backbone, the dockworkers are the heart and other maritime workers are the artery of our industry.
“We must give preference to their training, welfare and mental health support, particularly for the seafarers, to ensure that they can perform their duties safely and effectively.”
The event witnessed the award of prizes to students who won the essay competitions on the theme organized by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
