Maritime stakeholders in Nigeria are urging the government to take proactive measures against piracy, illegal fishing, interstate disputes, and various forms of transnational crime to fully harness the potential of the nation’s ocean economy, valued at $2.5 trillion. During the 2024 International Maritime Organization (IMO) World Maritime Day held in Lagos, these stakeholders highlighted the urgent need to address multifaceted threats to maritime security, which include the smuggling of arms and narcotics. The focus on these issues indicates a broader recognition of how maritime security challenges can impede the nation’s capability to develop its marine-based industries and contribute positively to the economy.
Prof. Larry Awosika, the guest speaker and Chairman of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, emphasized the importance of safe, secure, energy-efficient, and low-carbon maritime transport for sustainable exploitation of marine resources. He pointed out that unsustainable maritime practices, including issues surrounding security and environmental degradation, pose significant risks to the marine industry. Awosika’s vision for a thriving blue economy—which encompasses fishing, resource extraction, marine transportation, ecosystem health, and tourism—depended on a strong foundation of maritime security. He warned that threats to security could detrimentally impact investments in marine exploration and tourism, thereby affecting both national and global economic landscapes.
To counterthese challenges, Awosika called upon the Nigerian Federal Government to prioritize enhancing safety at sea through investment in infrastructure, scientific research, data analytics, and advanced technology. His emphasis on technological investment reflects a broader trend observed across global maritime stakeholders who recognize that innovative solutions are critical to combating contemporary maritime threats effectively. Without such measures, he argued, the risks associated with unregulated maritime activity could deter much-needed investment in the Nigerian maritime sector, stunting its growth and development.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, echoed these sentiments, recognizing the critical need to tackle safety and security challenges within the sector, especially in the context of new technologies and alternative fuels aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Represented by Olufemi Oloruntola, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Oyetola reassured stakeholders that Nigeria had consistently aligned its regulatory framework with the standards set by IMO and other international maritime regulations. This alignment reflects a commitment to maintaining high levels of maritime safety and operational efficiency in order to keep Nigeria competitive in global seaborne trade.
Oyetola underscored that improving the standards for shipping safety and compliance would necessitate significant government investment in upgrading facilities and building capacity. He emphasized that achieving world-class standards in the maritime sector would also require robust collaboration with the private sector. The Minister called on private enterprises to contribute resources and engage in developing state-of-the-art facilities, which would be instrumental in elevating Nigeria’s maritime industry to a competitive level on the international stage.
Lastly, Bwala Williams, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation, reflected on the importance of the IMO’s focus on improving maritime safety and security, particularly as the global community acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. His remarks highlight a growing international consensus on maritime safety’s role in fostering a secure maritime environment conducive to trade and economic growth. The collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders is crucial for Nigeria to navigate the complexities of modern maritime challenges effectively while securing its position in the global maritime community.
