Umoren Urges Stronger Policy Leadership to Strengthen Port State Control , Unlock Africa’s Blue Economy
The Secretary General of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) , Captain Sunday Umoren has called on policymakers across the region to take stronger action in strengthening Port State Control (PSC) enforcement as a key driver of maritime safety, security, and economic prosperity.
He made this appeal while delivering his opening speech at the 15th Port State Control Committee (PSCC15) Meeting held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.
In his address, the SG expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of Guinea for their warmth, generosity, and hospitality in hosting the meeting, describing it as a reflection of African solidarity and commitment to regional cooperation. He equally commended the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labour Organization (ILO), and other regional and industry partners for their continued support to the Abuja MoU in promoting maritime safety, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare.
Recognising the dedication of Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) across member states, he described them as “the unsung heroes of maritime safety,” emphasising that their work directly safeguards lives, ensures the safe delivery of international trade, stabilizes freight rates, and reduces insurance costs. “Next time you put on that lovely clothing or drive that car, remember to say a prayer for our PSCOs,” he urged, underscoring the vital role of these officers in maintaining global trade integrity.
Reflecting on global maritime challenges in 2024, Umoren noted that the year brought both turbulence and transformation. He cited rising geopolitical tensions, environmental crises, and the continued plight of abandoned seafarers, with over 3,000 cases recorded worldwide. He reaffirmed the need for all member states to uphold the designation of seafarers as essential workers, as advocated by the IMO and ILO, and to implement the newly adopted IMO guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes.
Captain Umoren recalled the successful organisation of statutory meetings including the 14th ISMWG, 14th PSCC, and 4th Ministerial Conference in Brazzaville, where key strategic decisions were reached. He noted that the Abuja MoU also conducted several national and regional capacity-building programmes in partnership with international organizations such as the MACN, ILO, and ABS. According to him, these trainings were not only technical but also aimed at instilling professionalism, integrity, and accountability among inspectors.
The Secretary General also announced a major milestone of the commencement of Port State Control inspections and data uploads by Angola into the Abuja MoU Information System (AMIS). He described this as a significant step toward regional harmonization and inclusivity. He further disclosed that the MoU will admit its 21st member state at this meeting, leaving only one country the Republic of Namibia yet to join, which he assured will happen by next year.
He revealed that out of 20,499 ship calls in 2024, 3,204 inspections were conducted, representing an inspection rate of 15.6 percent. While commending member states for their efforts, he urged them to intensify inspections and ensure prompt uploads to the AMIS database, emphasising that every inspection conducted and every report uploaded has a ripple effect far beyond our shores.
Umoren called on the region to prepare for emerging maritime realities such as decarbonization, digitalization, cyber-resilience, and the arrival of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
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