Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and International Maritime Expert, William Azuh have called for increased vessel inspection regime by Port State Control officers for greater maritime governance.
They made the call while making speeches at the just concluded Abuja MOU Port State Control Capacity Building Programme, supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation held in Lagos.
While lauding the initiative to build capacities for member countries of the Abuja MoU, Oyetola said effective Port State Control contributes to safety at our ports and national economic development while promoting continental trade under the aegis of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Oyetola said “As Nigeria works to consolidate its position as Africa’s leading maritime hub, we recognize that world-class maritime governance, effective Port State Control, safe shipping practices, and adherence to international standards are indispensable foundations for achieving that vision.
“Strengthening Port State Control across our region therefore advances our collective ambition to build a more competitive, secure, and prosperous maritime domain for West and Central Africa.
“Beyond its importance to maritime safety, this objective is fundamentally linked to Africa’s broader economic aspirations.
The success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depends significantly on the existence of an efficient, secure, and internationally compliant maritime transport system capable of facilitating seamless trade across our continent.
“As maritime administrators, we bear a collective responsibility to ensure that our ports, shipping operations, and regulatory systems support the free flow of commerce, strengthen regional connectivity, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic integration and global competitiveness.
“The theme of this workshop, “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems,” is both timely and compelling.
“The maritime industry is undergoing profound transformation, driven by technological innovations, evolving regulatory obligations, environmental imperatives, geopolitical shifts, and increasing demands for operational efficiency.
In such an environment, the need for robust, responsive, and future-ready Port State Control systems cannot be overemphasized.
“This workshop is especially significant because it represents the first major strategic intervention under the Abuja MOU Port State Control Strengthening Programme.
“It is a leadership platform designed to empower Directors General and Chief Executive Officers to serve as champions of institutional reform, inspector development, governance excellence, and sustainable improvement in maritime safety performance across our region” The minister said
According to Oyetola,Nigeria has consistently championed the vision of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which regards Port State Control as one of the most effective instruments for promoting safe shipping, protecting the marine environment, and safeguarding the welfare of seafarers.
Azuh, has called on maritime administrators across West and Central Africa to provide the leadership needed to strengthen Port State Control (PSC) and improve maritime safety in the region.
Azuh added that the workshop was designed to establish a trusted, consistent, high-performing and respected Port State Control regime across member states.
He said the programme seeks to deepen the understanding of maritime leaders on the governance, institutional and resource requirements needed to deliver effective Port State Control while promoting regional cooperation, the exchange of best practices and stronger collaboration among member states.
According to Azuh, participants are also expected to develop a common strategic vision for the future of Port State Control in the Abuja MoU region and agree on practical priorities and commitments that will guide implementation over the next five years.
He noted that the workshop was designed to provide Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Port State Control with a shared understanding of the current state of PSC performance under the Abuja MoU and the leadership actions required to improve inspection quality and institutional effectiveness.
Azuh added that participants would also identify priority actions for strengthening Port State Control in their respective countries while appreciating the importance of effective implementation, regulatory harmonisation and readiness for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
“You hold the powers to change the PSC trajectory, and this is your moment to show leadership, to unite and to deliver,” Azuh said.
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