Adalikwu Urges Stronger Ocean Protection, Sustainable Blue Economy as MOWCA Celebrates World Maritime Day
The Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr. Paul Adalikwu, has called for urgent protection of the ocean and stronger investment in the blue economy, stressing that Africa must lead rather than follow in shaping a sustainable maritime future.
Speaking at the MOWCA celebration of World Maritime Day 2025 in Abidjan under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” on 25th September,2025, Dr. Adalikwu urged West and Central African nations to translate commitments into action by aligning maritime regulations with global standards, modernising ports and shipyards, and prioritising marine protection.
He described the ocean as far more than a body of water, highlighting it’s role as the lifeblood of global trade, a cradle of biodiversity, a regulator of climate, and a source of livelihood for millions in West and Central Africa through fisheries, ports, shipping, and tourism. With over 80% of global trade crossing the seas, he noted that the region’s prosperity and security are inseparable from the health of the ocean.
Underscoring the threats of pollution, illegal fishing, climate change, rising sea levels, and ecological degradation, Adalikwu emphasised that maritime nations and coastal communities cannot remain passive but must demonstrate duty by protecting, regulating, and enforcing laws to secure the marine environment. He noted that MOWCA’s mandate is to foster cooperation among its member states, harmonise maritime policies, enhance capacity, and ensure safety, security, and sustainability across regional waters.
Beyond challenges, the MOWCA Secretary General pointed to emerging opportunities in greener shipping, cleaner ports, digitalisation, renewable marine energy, aquaculture, and sustainable fisheries. He stressed that Africa must not be a follower but a leader in maritime innovation, forging partnerships with governments, international organisations, the private sector, and civil society to build a resilient and inclusive blue economy.
For West and Central Africa, he said, the theme of World Maritime Day must be translated into action by strengthening regulatory frameworks in line with global standards, modernising ports and shipyards, investing in human capital with greater emphasis on youth and women, mobilising resources for marine research and pollution control, and deepening cooperation across borders.
Dr. Adalikwu , called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to ocean protection, describing the moment as decisive for the region’s future. He affirmed that protecting the ocean is not only a duty but also a pathway to prosperity, equity, and sustainability for the people of West and Central Africa.
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