Oyetola remarked, “This year’s theme for World Maritime Day is especially pertinent, as safety is essential for fostering a strong and business-friendly maritime industry. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the Blue Economy significantly contributes to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), also reassured stakeholders and investors that Nigerian waters are secure for investment and expressed a commitment to fostering a conducive environment for sector growth.
Mobereola stated, “Safety is central to our mission at NIMASA. Whether concerning the safety of lives and property at sea or the security of investments, we are proactive and dedicated to executing government policies that will guarantee a sustainable maritime future for Nigeria.”
Engr. Israel Obada, President of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), emphasized the critical importance of safety in the daily operations of the Nigerian maritime sector. He noted, “As Surveyors, it is crucial to recognize that the condition of vessels navigating our waterways is significant; the classification of vessels is vital for evaluating their overall health, which subsequently affects the maritime sector as a whole. This underscores the priority of safety in the industry, both in Nigeria and globally.”
Engr. Emmanuel Ilori, a member of AMES, emphasized the critical need to prioritize safety. He expressed their enthusiasm for collaborating with the Agency to ensure that all vessels operating in Nigerian waters are secure, thereby improving the safety of lives and property. This initiative is in line with the objectives of the Blue Economy aimed at promoting sustainable ocean practices.
World Maritime Day was first observed in 1978 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the IMO Convention's implementation. Since then, it has been celebrated globally to underscore the significance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the protection of the marine environment, while also highlighting various aspects of the IMO’s initiatives.
Nigeria will celebrate World Maritime Day 2024 in Lagos on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The Honourable Minister, Oyetola, along with representatives from all agencies under the Ministry, will be present.