IMO Secretary General hails Nigeria for initiatives focused on safety in the nation’s marine space.
by Blue Africa News
Nigeria has earned recognition for its robust maritime safety frameworks and advanced security facilities, demonstrating a high level of preparedness and innovation in line with the International Maritime Organization’s commitment to safe, secure, and sustainable shipping.
In its bid to become a leader in West Africa’s maritime affairs, the Federal Government of Nigeria has established agencies, vessels and initiatives focused on ensuring safety in the nation’s marine space.
The agencies include the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy’s Hydrographic Research Vessel (NNS Lana) and the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC).
During his recent three-day visit to Nigeria, Arsenio Domínguez, IMO Secretary General visited several marine installations in the country, hailing the nation’s crucial role in global maritime security, rescue operations and manpower development.
Establishment of RMRCC, the IMO boss noted, has “significantly contributed to reducing piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, fostering greater safety for international shipping.”
“The country’s commitment to maritime security and rescue operations is exemplary,” added the Panamanian who assumed the IMO role in January, 2024.
The RMRCC oversees Nigeria’s search and rescue operations, coordinating with regional and international partners to improve safety at sea, while NNS Lana, commissioned in 2021 is a state-of-the-art hydrographic ship built to conduct oceanographic and charting surveys across Nigerian and international waters.
He also made a stop at the Institute of Marine Studies (IMS) at the University of Lagos, commending NIMASA for its huge role in supporting the institute, calling for enhanced cooperation with IMO.
“There are areas for us to immediately start working together. You can also start using the e-learning courses that we are producing through the Worldwide Maritime University and IMO,” he stated.
Domínguez was flanked by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, as he visited various marine installations in the country.
Upon his arrival in Nigeria in early October, he was received by president Bola Tinubu who reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s maritime sector as a viable alternative to fossil energy.
“The recent signing of the National Maritime Policy was a deliberate step to entrench global best practices and strengthen the competitiveness of the Nigerian maritime industry,” said the president, as per a statement shared by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director and Head, Public Relations at NIMASA.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News