Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged maritime stakeholders across Africa to harness the continent’s renewable energy potential to establish itself as a global leader in green shipping.
According to NIMASA’s Head, Public Relations, Assistant Director Osagie Edward, FNIPR “Oyetola made this call on Monday at the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonization, held at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. He emphasized the need for Africa to assert its presence as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advances efforts to implement the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy.
“With over 90 percent of global trade facilitated by maritime transport, reducing GHG emissions from shipping is not just an environmental necessity but an economic imperative,” Oyetola stated. “Africa must ensure that its voice is heard and its interests safeguarded in shaping policies that impact our economies and livelihoods. Decarbonizing the shipping industry must be pursued in a just and equitable manner, ensuring that no African nation is left behind.”
He noted that Africa’s strategic geographic location, renewable energy resources, and expanding port infrastructure provide a unique opportunity to lead in green shipping. He called for collective efforts to align investments with sustainability and economic growth.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), reinforced the need for Africa to prioritize sustainable and responsible maritime practices in line with international frameworks.
“The shipping industry accounts for approximately three percent of global GHG emissions, contributing to climate change,” Mobereola explained. “The urgency of this issue has placed shipping decarbonization at the forefront of global discussions, and Africa must not be left behind.”
He highlighted that the two-day summit aims to enhance Africa’s cooperation on the IMO’s GHG strategy and mid-term measures, ensuring an equitable transition while building technical capacity for climate action.
“The decisions we make today will shape the future of our maritime industry and our contribution to global climate goals,” Mobereola added. “This summit provides a unique opportunity to align regional strategies with international frameworks while addressing Africa’s challenges and opportunities.”
Dr. Harry Conway, Chairman of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and Liberia’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, delivered a presentation on “IMO’s Journey So Far in Its GHG Reduction Strategy.” Another key presentation, “The Role of Africa’s Maritime Administrations in Shaping Shipping Decarbonization,” was delivered by Mr. John Oming’o, President of the Association of African Maritime Administrations.
Oming’o highlighted the benefits of shipping decarbonization, including:
– Reducing global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius
– Creating jobs in renewable energy, shipbuilding, and research and development
– Improving air quality near ports and coastal cities
– Modernizing ports for cleaner and more efficient logistics
– Establishing green fuel production hubs
Goodwill messages emphasizing collaboration in achieving a sustainable maritime environment were delivered by Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff.
The speakers commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA for their leadership in Africa’s maritime sector. The Nigerian Navy also pledged its commitment to supporting the decarbonization of the shipping industry within Nigeria’s maritime domain.