Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged maritime administrations across West and Central Africa to strengthen Port State Control (PSC) systems, describing effective maritime governance as essential to improving safety at sea, facilitating trade and unlocking Africa’s Blue Economy potential.
The Minister made the call while declaring open the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) Regional Workshop for Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations and Heads of Port State Control in Lagos.
Oyetola said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can only achieve its full potential with efficient, secure and internationally compliant maritime transport systems that promote seamless movement of goods and strengthen regional economic integration.
The three-day workshop also marked the launch of the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity-Building Programme, supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, bringing together maritime regulators, technical experts and development partners from across West and Central Africa.
He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which positions the Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic pillar for economic diversification, job creation and sustainable national development.
“As Nigeria works to consolidate its position as Africa’s leading maritime hub, world-class maritime governance, effective Port State Control and adherence to international standards remain indispensable,” Oyetola said.
Speaking on the theme, “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems,” the Minister described the workshop as timely, citing rapid technological advances, evolving environmental obligations and emerging global challenges that require more resilient and adaptive maritime regulatory systems.
R-L: Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (11th from left) in a group photograph during the opening of a three-day regional workshop for Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations and Heads of Port State Control in Lagos.
He said the programme represents a major step towards strengthening institutional capacity, improving governance and enhancing maritime safety performance across Abuja MoU member states.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international maritime standards, Oyetola said the country remains committed to supporting the International Maritime Organization’s vision of eliminating substandard shipping, protecting the marine environment and promoting the welfare of seafarers.
In his remarks, Abuja MoU Secretary-General, Captain Sunday Umoren, praised the Federal Government, maritime agencies and development partners for their sustained commitment to improving maritime safety across the region, stressing that collaboration among member states remains critical to building a safer and more competitive maritime sector.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, called for greater investment in capacity building, revealing that only 16 of the Abuja MoU’s 22 member states currently conduct Port State Control inspections consistently.
Mobereola disclosed that Nigeria conducted 917 Port State Control inspections in 2025, achieving an inspection rate of 23.5 per cent—well above the Abuja MoU benchmark of 15 per cent. He said the performance reflects the country’s strong commitment to enforcing international maritime conventions and enhancing shipping safety within the region.
The workshop is expected to produce practical strategies for strengthening Port State Control implementation across West and Central Africa, reinforcing regional cooperation and positioning the region for safer, more efficient and globally competitive maritime operations.
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