Oyetola Rallies African Leaders On Greener Shipping

The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on Maritime stakeholders across Africa to leverage the continent’s renewable energy potential to become a global leader in green shipping.

The minister who made the remark at the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation, stated that, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advancing efforts to adopt the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy.

According to Oyetola, Africa must assert its presence and safeguard its interests.

“With over 90 per cent of global trade facilitated by maritime transport, reducing  GHG emissions from shipping is not just an environmental necessity, but an economic imperative. Africa must ensure that its voice is heard, and its interests safeguarded in shaping policies that impact our economies and livelihoods.

“Shipping decarbonisation goes beyond just shipping, as it touches various sectors of the economy and livelihoods. Decarbonising the shipping industry must be pursued in a manner that is just and equitable, ensuring that no African nation is left behind.

“Africa’s maritime sector is uniquely positioned to leverage its strategic geographic advantage,  renewable energy potential, and growing Port infrastructure development to become a global leader in green shipping. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to align investments with sustainability and economic growth,” Oyetola said.

In his welcome address, the director general of the Nigerian Marítime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised that Africa must prioritise sustainable and responsible maritime practices in line with international frameworks as the continent develops.

Dr Mobereola, said, “The shipping industry accounts for approximately three per cent of global GHG emissions, contributing to climate change. The environmental concerns arising from these emissions have created a sense of urgency, driving the world to focus on shipping decarbonisation, and Africa must not be left behind.”

Mobereola noted that the focus of the two-day summit is 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.

He further stated, “The decisions we make today will shape the future of our maritime industry and our contribution to global climate goals. This summit provides a unique opportunity to align our regional strategies with international frameworks while addressing Africa’s challenges and opportunities.

Key presentations at the summit include “IMO’s Journey So Far in Its GHG Reduction Strategy” by Dr. Harry Conway, Chairman of the IMO’s MEPC and Alternate Permanent Representative of Liberia to the IMO, and “The Role of Africa’s Maritime Administrations in Shaping Shipping Decarbonisation” by John Oming’o, President of the Association of African Maritime Administrations.

Oming’o highlighted the benefits of decarbonisation to include, reduction of global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, job creation in renewable energy, ship building, research and development, improved air quality near ports and coastal cities, port modernisation for clean and efficient logistics, green fuel production hubs, among others.

Goodwill messages focused on the need for collaboration in achieving a green maritime environment in Nigeria and Africa were presented by minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji; minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. They commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA for their pivotal roles in Africa’s maritime industry and pledged the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to contributing to the overall goal of decarbonisation in the maritime domain, particularly within the Nigerian shipping and maritime environment.