By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting green shipping, maritime decarbonisation and stronger protection of the marine environment.
Mobereola made this known during a strategic engagement with the Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua, where both parties discussed initiatives designed to support Nigeria’s transition towards a cleaner, greener and more environmentally sustainable maritime sector.
The meeting focused on the growing need for Nigeria to align its maritime industry with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and address the environmental challenges associated with shipping activities.
As the maritime industry continues to face increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stakeholders have continued to explore practical measures that can support the adoption of cleaner technologies and sustainable operational practices.
During the engagement, Itua presented the Nigerian Green Shipping Excellence Programme (NGSEP) and the Green Maritime Recognition Scheme (GMRS), outlining the potential of both initiatives to support the country’s maritime decarbonisation efforts.
The proposed programmes are expected to encourage shipping operators and other stakeholders within the maritime sector to embrace cleaner technologies and environmentally responsible practices.
They are also aimed at creating opportunities for climate-related investments while supporting efforts to position Nigeria as a regional leader in sustainable shipping and environmental protection.
The initiatives come at a time when countries and maritime organisations across the world are intensifying efforts to reduce emissions from the shipping sector and promote the development of a more sustainable global maritime industry.
Responding to the proposals, the NIMASA Director General commended the initiatives and emphasised the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors in achieving Nigeria’s environmental sustainability objectives.
He stressed that collaboration among government agencies, private sector players and other relevant stakeholders would be essential to developing practical solutions to the environmental challenges confronting the maritime industry.
Mobereola also highlighted the need for innovative approaches that would not only address climate change but also ensure the effective protection of Nigeria’s marine environment.
According to him, efforts to promote sustainability must go hand in hand with initiatives aimed at improving the competitiveness of the nation’s maritime industry and unlocking the economic potential of the blue economy.
The NIMASA chief further reaffirmed the agency’s willingness to support initiatives that align with its mandate of ensuring a safe, secure and environmentally sustainable maritime sector.
The proposed Nigerian Green Shipping Excellence Programme and Green Maritime Recognition Scheme are expected to contribute to Nigeria’s transition towards a low-carbon maritime industry.
Beyond reducing the environmental impact of shipping activities, the initiatives could also create opportunities for investment, innovation and the adoption of modern technologies within the sector.
Stakeholders believe that stronger collaboration and sustained commitment to green shipping will be crucial to achieving a more resilient maritime industry capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.
The proposed initiatives are therefore expected to support the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy while strengthening the country’s participation in global efforts to build a cleaner and more environmentally responsible maritime sector.
Osagie Edward, FNIPR
Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations,
NIMASA