Stories by Seun Ibiyemi
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has described effective Port State Control (PSC) as one of the most powerful tools for ensuring global maritime safety and maintaining environmental standards in international shipping.
Dr. Mobereola made this remark at the opening of a five-day Regional Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Port State Control for member states of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in Lagos.
Represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, the NIMASA boss noted that the success of Port State Control hinges on the competence and professionalism of the officers who implement it.
“Your presence here demonstrates our collective resolve to strengthen efficient maritime governance, improve safety standards, and enhance environmental protection across West and Central Africa,” Mobereola stated.
He commended the IMO, the Abuja MoU Secretariat, and other technical partners for their sustained support in building capacity, enhancing regional cooperation, and promoting maritime safety across Africa.
Delivering a goodwill message, Captain Ahmed Sewelam, the IMO representative, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting member states through its technical cooperation programme aimed at strengthening effective and harmonized PSC regimes globally.
“Effective regional cooperation and harmonized PSC practices are essential to eliminate substandard shipping and promote consistency across the region,” Captain Sewelam said.
He explained that the workshop serves as a platform for delegates to deepen their collective capacity as Port States, review inspection procedures, and strengthen strategies for improved performance.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of the Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren, underscored the importance of continuous capacity building as a key pillar of the MoU’s agenda.
“We must continue to build capacity, strengthen cooperation, and share experiences to ensure that our region maintains high standards of maritime safety and compliance,” he said.
The Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Port State Control, currently taking place in Lagos, has drawn delegates from 22 countries across West and Central Africa. It represents another milestone in NIMASA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime safety, enhance environmental protection, and consolidate Nigeria’s leadership in advancing regional maritime development.