In a landmark move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed six International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, paving the way for Nigeria to deposit these documents at IMO headquarters and reinforcing the country’s commitment to maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
The Six Signed Instruments:
• Instrument of Accession of the Protocol of 2005: Suppressing unlawful acts against fixed platforms on the continental shelf
• International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel 1995: Enhancing training and certification for fishing vessel personnel
• Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in cases of Pollution by Substances other than Oil, 1973: Strengthening intervention protocols for pollution incidents
• Protocol of 1996 to Amend the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC) 1976: Updating liability limits for maritime claims
• Protocol to the 1974 Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea, 2002: Improving passenger and luggage carriage regulations
• Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009: Promoting sustainable ship recycling practices
According to the Director-General of NIMASA, these instruments had been pending for 6-8 years, and their signing marks a significant achievement for Nigeria.
The Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reassured stakeholders of the President’s commitment to developing the Nigerian maritime industry in line with global best practices.
This development is expected to enhance Nigeria’s maritime governance, align its practices with international standards, and reaffirm its determination to be a leading member of the IMO decision-making body .The supervising Ministry and NIMASA will deposit the ratified instruments.
