The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its dedication to enhancing regional cooperation and maritime governance at the opening of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) Regional Workshop in Lagos.
The event gathered Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of maritime administrations from across West and Central Africa.
During the workshop, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, officially launched the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity Development Programme.
Supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, this five-year initiative aims to elevate inspection standards, improve regulatory compliance, and better equip regional maritime administrations to handle evolving industry challenges.
Dr. Oyetola emphasized that the programme aligns closely with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, advancing Nigeria’s goal to become Africa’s premier maritime hub through strict adherence to international standards and heightened regional collaboration, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Captain Sunday Umoren, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, maritime agencies, and development partners for their ongoing support, noting that collaboration is vital to establishing a safer, more efficient maritime sector.
In his remarks, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), highlighted a gap in regional participation, pointing out that only 16 of the Abuja MoU’s 22 member states consistently execute Port State Control inspections.
He urged for greater investment in institutional capacity building. Sharing Nigeria’s progress, Dr. Mobereola revealed that the country conducted 917 inspections in 2025, reaching a 23.5% inspection rate comfortably exceeding the organization’s 15% target benchmark.
Supporting this call for unity, Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, underscored that robust leadership and tight-knit regional partnerships are essential to securing maritime waterways, smoothing trade operations, and bolstering investor confidence throughout West and Central Africa.