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 become a global leader in green shipping.
Oyetola made this call at the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonization in Abuja, emphasizing that Africa must assert its presence and safeguard its interests as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advances efforts to adopt the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), echoed Oyetola’s sentiments, stressing that Africa must prioritize sustainable and responsible maritime practices in line with international frameworks as the continent develops.
The two-day summit focused on Africa’s cooperation regarding the IMO’s GHG strategy and the basket of mid-term measures, ensuring a just and equitable transition for the continent and enhancing its technical capacity for climate action.
Key presentations highlighted the benefits of decarbonization, including job creation, improved air quality, and port modernization.
Goodwill messages from 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, emphasized the need for collaboration in achieving a green maritime environment in Nigeria and Africa.
