The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has assured that the Federal Government will increase investments in new technologies and alternative fuels to ensure safe shipping operations in the country.

Oyetola, who was represented by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, spoke during the celebration of World Maritime Day (WMD) 2024 in Lagos, which had the theme ? Navigating the Future: Safety First?.

In his words, "For safety and operational efficiency, it is imperative that we invest in upgrading our facilities and building capacity to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global arena of seaborne trade.

"The year 2024 marks a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a crucial treaty by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that regulates maritime safety. Since its founding in 1948, the IMO has prioritized safety as a central aspect of its mission. "Nigeria has consistently worked to align its regulatory framework with IMO standards and other international maritime regulations, reinforcing our commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety."

He noted that in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?s administration, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive growth.

"Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalization and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as performance optimization to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development," he remarked.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Administration, Safety and Education, Hon. Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim, affirmed the legislators? commitment to developing the requisite laws to support the maritime industry.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, called for renewed dedication to safety and assured that the Agency is committed to maintaining a sustainable maritime future for Nigeria.

"Let us renew our dedication for safety, innovation and stewardship in the maritime sector. Together, we can navigate a safer future for our maritime industry," Mobereola stated.

On his part, the President of Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Engr. Israel Obadan, commended the maritime industry, particularly NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, for fostering a new sense of calm on the nation's maritime domain.

The MD/CEO of Sea Transport Services Nigeria, Mr. Aminu Umar, encouraged the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the industry to continue supporting youth in exploring career opportunities and vocations in the maritime sector.

The event also included the presentation of awards, cash prizes and scholarships to several secondary and tertiary institution students who wrote articles on the Blue Economy, sponsored by NIMASA.

While presenting the awards, a former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, stated, "I congratulate the winners of the competition. Let this be a lesson to our students that hard work and diligence pay."

World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the IMO Convention. Since then, celebrations have taken place worldwide to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, while emphasizing specific aspects of International Maritime Organization?s mission.

?PHOTO: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, FM M&BE Oloruntola Olufemi (6th left); Director, Maritime Security and Safety, FM M&BE, Babatunde Bombata (7th left); Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola (7th right); Director Procurement NIMASA, Otonye Obom (6th right); Executive Director Operations, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi (5th right); Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba (4th right); Head, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards NIMASA, Patrick Eigbe (3rd right); SA-ED Ops, Peter Agbaminoja (right); Head, Abuja Zonal Office, NIMASA, Mojisola Jimoh (left); Head SERVICOM NIMASA, Rekiya Lamai (2nd left); SA-DG NIMASA, Administration and Operations, Olatunji Ahmed (3rd left); Vice President, Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors, AMES, Engr. Emmanuel Ilori (4th left) and others during the commemoration of the 2024 World Maritime Day in Lagos.

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