Yesterday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, I attended the Council of Ministers’ meeting of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for the West and Central African Region otherwise known as the Abuja MoU.
The Abuja MoU works on harmonization of Port State Control (PSC) procedures and practices of all countries in the region to eliminate the operation of substandard shipping within the region.
In my address to the assembly as the Vice Chairman of the body, I restated Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals of maritime safety, security, and reduction of marine pollution as well as to facilitate the necessary collaboration towards regional and international achievement of the attendant objectives of the Abuja Mou.
I also emphasized the need for member states to be
technology-driven and research at an advanced level to help our region stay abreast of the latest discoveries in maritime technology and achieve a “no haven” for operators of substandard vessels in the region.
Additionally, I called for continuous support for Port State Control Officers in terms of training and provision of operational work tools that will enable them to work professionally and efficiently as their mandate is very relevant to the socio-economic development of our nations.
I also used the opportunity to commend the Chairman, the Secretariat of Abuja MOU, and all the member States for the good work they are doing in showcasing our PSC regime on a global level while supporting the promotion of safety and security within our waters. I urged member States to keep working with Abuja MoU to develop their inspection regimes while promoting the growth of the maritime sector in our region.
Adegboyega Oyetola CON,
Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
