The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has emphasized the urgent need to bolster the capacity of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to effectively execute its mandate within the nation’s seaports. This call for enhanced support underscores the growing recognition of the critical role NESREA plays in safeguarding the maritime environment and promoting sustainable port operations. The NSC, as the economic regulator of the ports, recognizes the importance of strong environmental governance in ensuring the long-term viability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
During a recent meeting with NESREA officials at the Apapa port, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, expressed concern over the difficulties encountered by NESREA in accessing port terminals to carry out its enforcement activities. These challenges, which range from bureaucratic hurdles to logistical constraints, hinder NESREA’s ability to effectively monitor and regulate environmental compliance within the port ecosystem. Dr. Akutah’s appeal for greater cooperation and support reflects the NSC’s commitment to fostering a collaborative approach to environmental protection in the maritime domain.
Dr. Akutah also commended NESREA for its commendable efforts in enforcing environmental regulations within the often-complex and dynamic port environment. He highlighted the ambitious vision of Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, who prioritizes sustainable ocean resource management. By aligning with this vision, the NSC seeks to promote a comprehensive approach to maritime governance that integrates economic development with environmental stewardship. He further encouraged NESREA to ratify and domesticate pertinent international environmental agreements to maximize mutual benefits for Nigeria. This proactive stance underscores the importance of integrating global best practices and standards into national environmental regulations.
In line with the NSC’s call for inter-agency synergy, Dr. Akutah emphasized the need for collaborative partnerships among government institutions operating within the port ecosystem. This collaborative approach stands in contrast to the occasional instances of inter-agency antagonism that can undermine effective enforcement and impede progress towards shared objectives. The NSC’s advocacy for collaborative engagement exemplifies the recognition that addressing complex environmental challenges requires a coordinated and unified effort among all relevant stakeholders.
The call for partnership was echoed by Dr. Jonathan Dajel, the acting Director of NESREA’s Lagos Liaison Office, who sought a strategic alliance with the NSC to leverage its position as the port economic regulator. This collaborative approach would streamline access to port terminals and facilitate more effective enforcement activities. Dr. Dajel highlighted the agency’s responsibility in upholding stringent environmental standards across all port operations, ensuring compliance with national regulations and international conventions.
Dr. Dajel also underscored Nigeria’s commitment to various international environmental conventions, emphasizing the vital role of NESREA in implementing these global agreements within the national context. Specifically, he highlighted NESREA’s responsibility for issuing Ballast Water Management Certificates, a crucial mechanism for preventing the introduction of invasive marine species and preserving the ecological balance of Nigerian waters. This certification process aligns with international best practices aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of shipping activities. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of global cooperation in tackling environmental challenges. Furthermore, it reinforces the role of national agencies like NESREA in translating international commitments into concrete action on the ground.
