NIMASA says IMO uses the day to draw attention to the ongoing transformation in shipping, and solutions that would drive a safer and more sustainable future
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, has restated the country’s readiness to digitalise port operations to enhance operational efficiency.
Oyetola said this during the 2024 commemoration of World Maritime Day 2024 with the Theme: Navigating the Future: Safety First held on Thursday in Lagos. The World Maritime Day is usually celebrated on September 26th, annually.
He said that digitalising port operations and improving data management, would enhance operational efficiency and minimise the environmental impact of congestion or inefficiency at the ports.
Oyetola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, said that to align with goals of safety and sustainability, the ministry would also focus on modernising and optimising port operations.
He said that the adoption of “smart port technologies” was a key element of the ministry’s strategy, which was to digitalise port operations and improve data management.
“We will enhance operational efficiency, reduce delays, and minimise the environmental impact of congested or inefficient port activities.
“This process is being financed through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The government has also made significant progress in creating a conducive environment for port operations by aligning its policies with global best practices.
“This has enhanced safety, security, and efficiency in our ports, leading to notable reductions in the delays associated with processing exports and imports.
“However, achieving the world-class standards we aspire to, will require continued support from the private sector, whose collaboration is essential in providing the resources and state-of-the-art facilities needed to take Nigeria’s maritime industry to a higher trajectory,” Oyetola said.
The Minister said that achieving safety in the maritime environment was a goal well within reach but it requires collective effort.
Oyetola expressed confidence that this edition of World Maritime Day would set the stage for a transformative future, one that drove Nigeria’s maritime sector toward unprecedented growth and prosperity.
The Political and Economic Section Chief, US Consulate General, Dr Michael Ervin, said as the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), emphasis should be on the impact in setting international safety standards for ship construction, equipment and operation.
He mentioned that SOLAS was tremendously instrumental in preventing maritime disasters and saving countless lives at sea.
Ervin, however, said the IMO Secretary-General, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, had said there should not be complacency, saying that this year’s theme challenged them to keep pace with the ongoing transformation in the shipping industry.
He said that there was a need to ensure that safety remained at the forefront as they steered toward the future.
“Nigeria, with its vast marine resources and strategic location is uniquely positioned to play a critical role in global maritime affairs under the leadership of the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola and Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola.
“We are making significant strides in leveraging the economic potential of our ocean resources.
“Through innovative policies and strategic partnerships, we are diversifying our economy and unlocking opportunities in the blue economy, while being mindful of our duty to protect the marine environment,” Ervin said.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said that safety was crucial in the maritime industry
Mobereola said that the theme of the 2024 World Maritime Day, “Navigating the future, safety first’’, was one of the many ways the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is drawing attention to the ongoing transformation in shipping and innovative solutions that would drive a safer and more sustainable future for the industry.
“There are many challenges in the maritime industry. These challenges also provide opportunities for tremendous success in the industry.
“Rapid technology advancement, environmental concerns, sustainability, and involvement in global trade are some issues affecting the industry.
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