The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on maritime administrations in West and Central Africa to strengthen Port State Control (PSC) systems as a strategic tool to boost maritime safety, drive trade, and unlock the potential of Africa’s Blue Economy.
Oyetola made the call 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.
The three-day workshop also marked the launch of the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity-Building Programme, supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation. It brings together maritime regulators, technical experts and development partners from across the 22-member Abuja MoU region.
Speaking on the theme, “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems”, the Minister said effective maritime governance is now critical to Africa’s economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that the workshop aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which positions the Marine and Blue Economy as a key driver of diversification, jobs, 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”, Oyetola said.
He added that the success of AfCFTA depends on “efficient, secure and internationally compliant maritime transport systems”, and that maritime administrations have a collective duty to ensure ports and regulatory systems support free trade, regional connectivity and Africa’s global competitiveness.
The Minister described the workshop as the first major strategic intervention under the Abuja MoU Port State Control Strengthening Programme. It is designed to equip heads of maritime administrations to drive institutional reforms and improve safety performance across the region.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to International Maritime Organization (IMO), standards, Oyetola said Nigeria regards PSC as one of the most effective mechanisms for eliminating substandard shipping, protecting the marine environment, and safeguarding seafarers.
In his remarks, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren, commended the Federal Government and partners for supporting maritime safety in the region, stressing that collaboration among member states is essential for a competitive maritime sector.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, called for more investment in capacity building. He revealed that only 16 of the Abuja MoU’s 22 member states currently conduct PSC inspections consistently.
Mobereola disclosed that Nigeria conducted 917 PSC inspections in 2025, achieving an inspection rate of 23.5% above the Abuja MoU benchmark of 15%. He said the figure reflects Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing international conventions and promoting safer shipping.
Other dignitaries present included the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah; Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra.
The Lagos workshop is expected to produce practical recommendations to strengthen PSC implementation across the Abuja MoU region and lay the foundation for a more harmonised and globally respected maritime safety regime in West and Central Africa.