AfCFTA Needs Secure, Efficient Maritime Transport System, Oyetola Tells African Leaders

Victoria Silvanus

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 as a critical tool for improving maritime safety, facilitating trade and unlocking the vast potential of the continent's Blue Economy.

Speaking on Monday at the opening of 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 effective maritime governance is essential to Africa's economic transformation, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The three-day workshop, which also marked the launch of the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity-Building Programme, was supported by the Lloyd's Register Foundation and attracted maritime regulators, technical experts and development partners from across the region.

Oyetola said the workshop aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies the Marine and Blue Economy as a key driver of economic diversification, trade, employment and sustainable development.

“As Nigeria works to consolidate its position as Africa’s leading maritime hub, we recognise that world-class maritime governance, effective Port State Control, safe shipping practices and adherence to international standards are indispensable foundations for achieving that vision,” he said.

According to the Minister, stronger Port State Control regimes across the region would enhance maritime safety while supporting Africa’s broader economic ambitions through efficient, secure and internationally compliant maritime transport systems.

“The success of the African Continental Free Trade Area depends significantly on efficient, secure and internationally compliant maritime transport systems. As maritime administrations, we bear a collective responsibility to ensure that our ports, shipping operations and regulatory systems support the free flow of commerce, strengthen regional connectivity and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic integration and global competitiveness,” Oyetola stated.

Speaking on the theme of the workshop, “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems,” the Minister described it as timely and strategic, noting that the maritime industry is experiencing rapid transformation driven by technological innovation, environmental obligations, evolving regulations and changing geopolitical realities.

“These developments require Port State Control regimes that are not only robust but also adaptive and future-ready,” he said.
Oyetola described the workshop as the first major strategic intervention under the Abuja MoU Port State Control Strengthening Programme, designed to equip maritime administrators with the capacity to drive institutional reforms, strengthen governance frameworks and improve maritime safety performance across the region.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international maritime standards, noting that the country remains aligned with the vision of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which recognises Port State Control as a key mechanism for eliminating substandard shipping, protecting the marine environment and safeguarding seafarers’ welfare.

Earlier, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren, commended the Federal Government, maritime agencies and development partners for their continued support in advancing maritime safety in the region.

He stressed that collaboration among member states remains vital to building a safer, more efficient and globally competitive maritime sector in West and Central Africa.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, underscored the need for increased investment in capacity building and institutional development.

Mobereola revealed that only 16 of the Abuja MoU’s 22 member states currently conduct Port State Control inspections consistently.
He disclosed that Nigeria carried out 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.

According to him, the achievement reflects Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing international maritime conventions and promoting safer shipping operations across the region.

The workshop is expected to generate practical recommendations for strengthening Port State Control implementation across West and Central Africa, while laying the groundwork for a more harmonised, efficient and globally respected maritime safety regime.

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