By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has called for innovative financing models as a critical driver for sustainable development in Africa’s maritime industry.
This statement was delivered by NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, during the 7th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Dr. Mobereola highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a thriving maritime sector in Africa through collaboration, technology, and innovation.
“Nigeria is committed to collaborating on technology and innovation to enhance safety, security, decarbonisation, and the marine environment for a sustainable future,” he said.
He noted that the conference serves as a platform to address shared challenges, including sustainable energy, regional security, and economic growth.
To achieve this, Mobereola urged for international cooperation in supporting Africa’s maritime development through technical and financial investments.
“As Nigeria pursues infrastructure development and digital transformation within our maritime sector, we call on our regional and international partners to support these efforts,” Mobereola said.
He also emphasised the importance of regional frameworks like the Djibouti and Yaoundé Codes of Conduct in combating piracy and maritime crime across West Africa.
The AAMA conference has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among African maritime administrations since its inception. By harmonising policies and strategies, the Association aims to bolster Africa’s maritime sector in alignment with the African Maritime Transport Charter.
Nigeria, which hosted the 3rd AAMA conference in 2017, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the continent’s maritime agenda.
At this year’s conference, discussions centred on promoting safety, enhancing regional security, and developing sustainable energy solutions to support economic growth.
The AAMA platform remains crucial for fostering cooperation at regional, continental, and global levels, ensuring Africa’s maritime industry remains competitive and sustainable in a rapidly evolving global economy