In keeping with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goal to promote sustainable growth in the maritime industry, the Federal Government of Nigeria has stated its commitment to greener shipping.
According to Osagie Edward, Assistant Director, Public Relations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, announced this as the country joined IMO to observe the 2022 World Maritime Day.
Sambo further stated that Nigeria will not be left behind in the global shift toward greener shipping, while also emphasizing the importance of players in the maritime industry beginning to explore strategies to transition into a greener and more sustainable future.
On his part, the Director-General, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, noted that the theme for this year’s world Maritime Day celebration is in line with the agency’s mission of achieving cleaner oceans in developing shipping in Nigeria.
He also pointed out that NIMASA is already working in line with the call by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim for developing countries to adopt green technology.
According to the IMO Secretary General, “The World Maritime Day theme 2022 “New technologies for greener shipping” reflects the need to support a green transition of the maritime sector into a sustainable future, while leaving no one behind. The theme provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of the sustainable maritime sector and the need to build back better and greener in a post-pandemic world.
“Nigeria, represented by NIMASA, as an active member state of the IMO is involved in the processes of creating new international agreements and protocols to address environmental issues such as marine pollution, oil spills and emissions from the shipping industry.”
The theme of this year’s World Maritime Day is linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly, SDGs 13 and 14 on climate action and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources; SDG 9 on the industry, innovation and infrastructure; and SDG 17, which highlights the importance of partnerships and implementation to achieve these goals.
